May 25, 2022 is a meaningful day marking the 46 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our two countries have strengthened and developed the ties of friendship and cooperation in the joint struggle for independence against imperialism and for justice in the protracted period spanning nearly half a century. Permeated here warmly are the immortal exploits of the great Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il , lodestar of the cause of global independence.

The great Comrade Kim Il Sung always paid a deep attention to the Nigerian people in their efforts to build a new society. He met the envoys of Nigeria who had visited our country for more than 10 times, and made clear the road ahead for their struggle to achieve the independent development of the national economy.

President Kim Il Sung gave these words to them; there are more than 100 developing countries in the world; if each country brought out one advanced technology, developing countries can introduce more than 100 advanced technologies; if they need our small experiences, we can help them within the realm of our power.

President Kim Il Sung maintained this stand consistently; there may be large and small countries in the world, but in no way must there be higher or lower countries; there may be developed and less developed countries in the world, but in no way must there be countries to dominate or to be dominated; developing countries can build independent national economy without difficulty if they are united, and maintain political independence as well.

Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il dispatched able technicians and experts to this country to help the Nigerian people who had embarked on the road to create a new life in various fields such as agriculture, construction and public health. When the 8 th sports meeting was held in Nigeria, he sent mass gymnastics producers to it so as to make a great contribution to a successful opening and closing ceremony of the meeting.

The Nigerian people, being so charmed by the outstanding ideas and a noble sense of international moral obligation of the great Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il , conferred Chieftaincy Tittle – THE SUN on President Kim Il Sung for the first time in Nigeria and Chieftaincy Title – THE SPRINGWATER AND SUNLIGHT on Chairman Kim Jong Il , first ever in Nigeria, carrying their hearts of respect and reverence towards the great men. They also respectfully presented to them precious gifts and honorary titles.

Especially, President Muhammadu Buhari, after taking office in 2015, has sent floral baskets to be placed before the statues of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il standing high on Mansu Hill, and sent congratulatory messages and floral baskets to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, on the occasion of major anniversaries of our country.

The immortal exploits of the great Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il permeated in the history of friendly relations between DPRK and Nigeria will glorify forever with the passage of the times.

We will do our level best to continue to strengthen and develop the relations with Nigeria in conformity with the requirements of a new era and common interests of the two peoples under the ideals of independence, peace and friendship.

Pak Yong Hyok

Secretary General of Korea-Africa Association