The Republic of Congo has requested Nigeria’s backing for its candidate, Firmin Edouard Matoko, to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The request was made during a visit by Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso to Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
Shettima, who received the delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with the Republic of Congo.
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He lauded the leadership of Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso for his role in promoting regional peace, particularly in Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Shettima assured Prime Minister Makosso that Nigeria would give serious consideration to Congo’s request for support.
“Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President,” Shettima stated, expressing optimism for a positive outcome.
“I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us.”
Prime Minister Makosso, who delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso, called for deeper relations between the two nations.
He presented Matoko as a highly qualified candidate with over three decades of experience at UNESCO, having served in various strategic roles, including Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.
Makosso emphasised that Congo’s support for Matoko is based on competence rather than nationality.
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The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its humanitarian support, specifically mentioning the Rochas Foundation, which has provided free education to Congolese children, including orphans.
He commended Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.
