Shettima To Represent Tinubu At G77+China Leaders’ Summit In Cuba

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has embarked on a journey on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to attend the G77+China leaders’ summit in Havana, Cuba.

A statement by Olusola Abiola, the director of information at the vice-president’s office, said Shettima will represent Tinubu at the summit slated from September 15 to 17, 2023.

Abiola noted that Shettima will be joining a gathering of global leaders, including Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general.

The information director said their discussions will primarily revolve around pressing development issues that primarily affect countries in the global south.

He said the summit aims to explore proactive approaches to address the challenges impeding the development of member states.

Additionally, participants will delve into the potential of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to foster socioeconomic growth.

During the sidelines of the event, Vice-President Shettima is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with other world leaders “to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development diplomacy of the Tinubu administration”.

“The Havana Summit is being hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel in his capacity as Chairman of the G77 and China, under the theme: Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation,” the statement reads.

“Nigeria is a founding member of the G77 group which was established in 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries.

“The group — a coalition of 134 developing countries with 80% of the world population, aims to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.”

Accompanying Vice-President Shettima on this diplomatic mission are Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and rural development; Uche Nnaji, the minister of innovation, science, and technology; and Adamu Lamuwa, the permanent secretary of the ministry of foreign affairs.