Visit Dendia to Angola-Nigeria: Focus on Greece’s relations with sub-Saharan Africa
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, will pay a visit to Nigeria and Angola from 9 – 12.01.2022, continuing the political strengthening and expansion of Greece’s relations with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. This is the Foreign Minister’s first visit abroad in the new year, following his visits to Runa, Gabon and Ghana in November 2021.
As part of the ongoing contacts with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, which is also a strategic choice, the Kenyan Foreign Minister, who met with the Foreign Minister in Rome last June, will have Athens in February, while the Foreign Minister is planning a visit to Senegal. in March in order to inaugurate the offices of our Embassy there.
Nigeria is one of the most important countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, being the largest economy in the region, hosting the headquarters of the regional organization ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). At the same time, it plays an important role in the African Union. In addition, it is particularly interested in the safety of navigation in the Gulf of Guinea and is a party to UNCLOS.
During his stay in Abuja, the Foreign Minister will meet with his counterpart Geoffrey Onyeama, with whom he will sign a Memorandum of Political Consultation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries, as well as with the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
It is noted that this was the first visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece to Nigeria (he had a visit of the then Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Quick in 2018).
In addition, the signing of a bilateral Agreement in the field of tourism education is being promoted, in collaboration with the competent Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sofia Zacharaki.
During the visit, the prospects of expanding bilateral economic cooperation should be examined, taking into account that large Greek companies are active in Nigeria.
Nigeria is one of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa that is part of the four-year development assistance program of Greece, in the context of international efforts to combat terrorism and illegal immigration flows. During the offer to announce 900,000 doses of vaccines against COVID-19, through the COVAX mechanism.
It is noted that the Nigerian government appointed an Ambassador to our country in June 2021 (after 9 years during which the head of the Nigerian Embassy was Authorized), thus indicating the increased interest in bilateral relations with Greece.
Angola is also one of the most important countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is emerging as a region of stability. In addition, he holds the presidency of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), in which Greece became an observer at the Luzophon Summit held in Luanda in July 2021.
In September 2021, the first meeting of the Greek Foreign Minister with his counterpart from Angola took place in New York, on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
During the meeting, Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António invited his Greek counterpart to visit Luanda as soon as possible.
Mr. Dendia’s visit will be the first visit of a Greek Minister to Angola.
During the visit, the two Ministers are scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Political Consultation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs is to be received by the President of Angola, João Lourenço.
In addition, during his visit to Luanda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announces the provision of 100,000 vaccines against COVID-19 in his consent with the Minister of Health and the check of the Ministry of Youth 50,000 euros for actions in the field of youth and sports.
Finally, investment cooperation should be discussed with the Minister of State responsible for the economy.
These visits are part of the expansion of Greece’s international contacts, taking into account Greece’s candidacy for a non-permanent position in the UN Security Council, as well as information on our country’s positions on various international issues, based on always respect for International Law.