Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, returned to Abuja after attending the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the meeting, presented Nigeria’s National Statement at the General Debate.
Shettima also engaged in several bilateral meetings and numerous sideline events at the meeting.
The statement added, “He will proceed to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark some events put together as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.”
At the meeting, Tinubu called on world leaders to prioritise debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing countries from creditors and multilateral financial institutions.
The President also asked the United Nations to commit to multilateralism by deepening relations among member states, in line with the principles of inclusivity, equality and cooperation.
Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, made the call while addressing world leaders during the General Debate of the UNGA.
Represented by Shettima at the high-level annual global event, the President said countries of the global South would not make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden.
Also, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships and deepening relations with member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
Speaking at a high-level OACPS meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, Shettima reiterated the importance of solidarity among member states facing numerous global challenges, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to the organisation’s goals while addressing pressing national concerns.