The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Bogdanov, has said Russia considers Nigeria as an important country and a strategic partner in Africa.
In a statement by the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow and made available to Journalists in Abuja, Bogdanov stated this while receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Belarus, Professor Abdullahi Shehu.
Bogdanov, who doubles as the special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and African Countries, said both countries would continue to strengthen existing bilateral relationships.
Receiving the Nigerian Ambassador in his office, the representative, assured that the Russian Government would provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens in the Russian Federation.
Responding, Shehu thanked the government of the Russian Federation for its concern and assistance towards the plights of Nigerians.
