Moscow vows to help secure Middle East peace
The Federal Government has expressed solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amid renewed tensions in the Gulf region, while also applauding Riyadh for awarding fully-funded scholarships to 50 Nigerian students in petroleum and mineral-related disciplines.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting in Saint Petersburg yesterday, told Iran that Moscow would do everything within its power to help secure peace in the Middle East.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed Nigeria’s position yesterday in Abuja when he received the visiting Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi.

According to Idris, Nigeria stands in support of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of tensions.

“Let me also take this opportunity, on behalf of the Federal Government, to express our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this time of tensions in the Gulf region. We sincerely hope for continued peace, stability, and diplomatic resolution of all issues,” he said.

The minister also praised Saudi Arabia for its scholarship initiative, describing it as a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s long-term development strategy, particularly in strengthening technical capacity in the extractive sector.

“This is not just a scholarship programme; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, particularly in key sectors such as petroleum and solid minerals that are central to our economic growth and diversification,” Idris stated.

He noted that the programme, facilitated through the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, is expected to run yearly, with 50 Nigerian students benefiting each year.

“The fact that this initiative is designed to be continuous guarantees a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for our critical industries,” he added.

The minister further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, including efforts to fast-track pending agreements in broadcasting and other areas of cooperation.

He said both countries share long-standing diplomatic and economic ties that continue to evolve in response to global changes.

In his remarks, Al-Balawi conveyed appreciation from the Saudi leadership to President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria’s message of solidarity, describing it as evidence of strong and enduring relations between the two countries.

IRAN’S Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, speaking on arrival in Russia, had blamed Washington for the failure of talks on brokering a deal to end the fighting, with a ceasefire between the sides still holding.

“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the people of the region, so that peace can be achieved as soon as possible,” Russian state media quoted Putin as telling Araghchi.

Putin also hailed “how courageously and heroically the people of Iran are fighting for their independence and sovereignty”, the TASS news agency reported.

“Russia, just like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relationship,” the Kremlin chief added.

Amid the conflict, oil prices rose after plans for a second round of peace talks between the United States (U.S.) and Iran stalled again.

Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, rose over three per cent to under $109 a barrel yesterday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington had cancelled plans to send a team to Pakistan for negotiations with their Iranian counterparts.

Global energy supplies have been under intense pressure since the start of the Iran war as the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway has been effectively closed by the conflict.