By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, as Nigeria seeks to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation with members and partner countries of the bloc.
Shettima’s arrival was announced in a statement on Friday, ahead of the summit being held under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The Vice President is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the summit, which includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, among others.
The Nigerian delegation’s participation is expected to provide an opportunity for the country to engage with BRICS members and partner countries on issues of mutual economic and strategic interest.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s participation forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to deepen bilateral relations, expand trade and investment opportunities, and strengthen cooperation with countries within the BRICS framework.
The summit’s focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability also places issues of economic development, technological advancement and environmental sustainability within the broader agenda of discussions.
Shettima’s participation also provides an opportunity for Nigeria to articulate its interests in areas that cut across diplomacy, commerce, technology, innovation, investment and environmental cooperation.
Nigeria’s engagement with BRICS has increasingly provided an avenue for the country to strengthen relationships with emerging economies and explore opportunities for expanded economic cooperation.
The summit in New Delhi brings together leaders and representatives of BRICS member and partner countries for discussions centred on the bloc’s priorities and its wider cooperation agenda.
Shettima is attending the summit on behalf of President Tinubu, with the Nigerian delegation expected to use the gathering to advance the country’s diplomatic, trade and investment interests.
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