Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Borisenko Evgenievich, has received Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Russia, Joseph Iji, in Moscow, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The meeting, held on Thursday, was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Communications Officer of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, Daria Senyushina.

According to the statement, Ambassador Iji presented copies of his credentials during the meeting.

Senyushina said both officials discussed ways to deepen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Russia.

She noted that the talks focused on expanding political dialogue and strengthening cooperation in trade, economic development, science and technology, humanitarian affairs and other areas of mutual interest.

Nigeria and the former Soviet Union established diplomatic relations more than six decades ago. Russia currently maintains an embassy in Abuja and a consulate in Lagos.

Over the years, both countries have sustained cooperation in key sectors, including trade, defence, education and energy.