The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN), has said democratic governance offers the best approach to pursue foreign policy goals.
It noted that the maxim that foreign policy is an extension of internal policy is better illustrated by Nigeria’s insistence on zero tolerance for military coups and undemocratic change of government in Africa.
The President of AFRPN, Ambassador Gani Lawal at a press conference to brief media on the forthcoming 5th annual lecture of the Association in Abuja therefore, noted that this requires that Nigeria must demonstrate exemplary leadership by tenaciously nurturing and deepening its internal democracy and assist less powerful countries to maintain their democracy.
Ambassador Lawal also posited that for Nigeria to continue to maintain leadership position, it must increase its weight of military-industrial capability, economic prosperity at home and readiness to assist its neighbors and lesser third world democracies.
“It must also invest abundantly in the African Union mantra of Regional Integration and cooperation, silencing the guns and support for less developed neighbors and conflict resolution through dialogue and compromise.”
“It is instructive to reiterate that the Afrocentric nature of Nigeria’s foreign policy which was birthed since Oct 7 1960 including its variants of concentric circles, economic and citizen diplomacy must be maintained.”
“It has served us in good stead and continues to serve us till today as exemplified by the emergence of our new president as Chairman of Ecowas on first appearance at its summit in Guinea Bissau.”
We are aware of unusual and new developments such as challenges posed by non-statal actors, narcotics, proliferation of small arms and increased transnational crimes as well as new dynamics in global affairs requiring improved strategies, but we do not think there may be the need to try to reinvent the wheel, instead we are better served by strengthening what has worked and acknowledge it, and revisit what has not worked and Improve on it.
“Foreign policy is an extension of internal policy dictated by the vagaries of the external environment. It is crafted around what a nation wants and does not want on the basis of its national interests from the global stage.”
“It is often said that there is no permanent friend or enemy in the international environment but permanent interest, and as permanent national interests evolve, a friend today can become an enemy tomorrow.”
“It is expected that a nation will weave its national interest around the weight of its Military industrial complex and natural resources to earn a favourable comparable edge in the global intercourse.
“At present, the national interest of Nigeria is to build a strong economic base, fight insurgency and terrorism and decapitate the corruption monster.”
“Therefore, finding resources to actualize these interests in the international arena remains the cornerstone of Nigeria foreign policy goals.” He added.
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