Iran Vows To Sustain Relations With Nigeria

Iran Vows To Sustain Relations With Nigeria

Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria , Hussein Abdullahi has expressed the commitment of his country to sustaining cordial diplomatic relations with Nigeria in spite of the recent arms shipment.

Abdullahi told newsmen in Abuja that the illegal shipment had not adversely affected relations between the two countries and that Iran would strive to maintain “cordial relations with Nigeria '' .

The Iranian Ambassador said that following investigations, the Nigerian government had discovered that the shipment was not meant for it, expressing the hope that the realisation would be reflected in the final court ruling.

“As a result of sanctions imposed on Iran , it decided not to mention in the bill of lading the contents of the container,”  the Iranian ambassador explained.

Destined for Gambia

He said the container was destined for The Gambia legally, following a confidential agreement signed between Iran and the country in 2009, to supply the consignment in three installments. Abdullahi said the seized shipment was the third consignment, as two had earlier been sent.

Abdullahi further explained that the choice of  Nigeria as a transit route instead of Sierra Leone which is closer to The Gambia was that of the French shipping company which carried out the job.

It will be recalled that arms and ammunition, declared as building materials, were shipped from Iran to Nigeria  in October, although the final destination was The Gambia.

Four persons, including one Iranian, were arrested in connection with the shipment.

Iran established bilateral relations with Nigeria in 1974.

NAN/Margaret/Yinka