Envoy wants Nigeria, ASEAN expand ties in aviation, maritime

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Harry Purwanto, has called for improved bilateral relations between Nigeria and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The envoy told newsmen at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in Abuja that both parties enjoyed a “very robust” relations but distance between them remains a challenge.

He said Nigeria and the ASEAN nations could take advantage of available technology to address the challenges in the various areas of bilateral relations.

“There are many strong areas in southeast Asia like aviation, agriculture, industry, SMEs, maritime; these are among the areas that we can tap into and develop our bilateral relationships with Nigeria”, he said.

The Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Datuk Lim Juay Jin said since its establishment 50 years ago, ASEAN has transformed from a region of conflict to development.

“We have not only brought peace and stability to the region but also robust economic development,” he said.

He noted that as ASEAN representatives in Nigeria, “we are making efforts to promote a new partnership with Nigeria and Africa.”