Chidimma Uchegbu
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has welcomed high-level delegates to the 2nd Vice Presidential Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) between Nigeria and Brazil, which commenced on Monday, 23 June 2025, in Abuja.
The SDM, a framework designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, was first established in 2013 in Brasília.
A statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir
Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday in Abuja stated ” this second session marks a renewed commitment by both countries to deepen collaboration across key sectors and address shared development challenges.
In his welcome remarks, Amb. Tuggar said “This event marks another epoch in the bilateral relations of our two countries and our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and broadening mutual understanding through people-to-people exchange and deeper private sector engagement.”
Amb. Tuggar reflected on the longstanding historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil, dating back to the 1960s, and acknowledged the contributions of notable diplomats such as Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima of Brazil and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole of Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized that the SDM focuses on priority areas that are central to national development and global stability, including trade and Investment, agriculture, defence and Intelligence cooperation, culture and health, energy and climate change, and foreign relations
He noted that the SDM had already proven effective, with initiatives such as the Green Imperative Project gaining traction under the current administration.
Amb. Tuggar warmly welcomed the Brazilian Vice President, His Excellency Geraldo Alckmin, describing him as “a man whose place in history is already assured,” and drew parallels with Nigeria’s Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, noting their shared experience as former governors and accomplished statesmen.
Highlighting the resilient and pragmatic nature of Nigeria-Brazil relations, Amb. Tuggar stated:
“From counter-trade arrangements to mutual assistance during periods of economic challenge, our two nations have consistently offered practical solutions that benefit both sides. Another boom period in the Atlantic world is in the offing — and Nigeria and Brazil bestride it.”
The meeting is expected to yield a joint communiqué outlining new frameworks for bilateral engagement and reinforcing Nigeria and Brazil’s shared vision for sustainable development and South-South cooperation.
