Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidaye Bayraktar, has pledged enhanced defense cooperation between Turkey and Nigeria, saying that the Turkish government would support Nigeria in its ongoing fight against terrorism in the North East.
Bayraktar stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Monday in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said that Turkey and Nigeria had maintained cordial political and economic relations over the years, adding that Turkey is ready to assist Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
“As you know, we were faced with same challenges of terrorism as Nigeria and since my arrival here, terrorism is one of the important issues I have noticed.
“As we have gone through the challenge in Turkey, we are ready to assist or to work together and collaborate with Nigeria in this field.
“We have several potentials that we can both share and I know that you have been meeting with some companies in Turkey regarding defence industry.
“What we can do is to sign some defence cooperation agreement so that we can boost this relationship into the next level,” he said.
The ambassador called for more interaction with the Nigerian army going towards ensuring an enhanced military tie between the two countries.
Responding, the COAS, said his recent visit to Turkey and visit by the ambassador had further enhanced the existing cordial relationship between the two countries.
Yahaya said that armed forces of Nigeria and the Turkish military were poised to forge stronger ties in the areas of equipment and training.
He said that the recently concluded defence fair in Turkey also afforded the Nigerian army and other services the opportunity to explore more areas of interest.
The COAS disclosed that efforts were being made to acquire more equipment from Turkish defence industries, urging the ambassador to fast track the formalisation of the agreement.
“We will catch on that willingness of the Turkish and Nigerian governments to work together to see how we can quickly get those equipment.
“I look forward to more rewarding engagements between us and this visit should just be the starting point for further relationship between us for the mutual benefit of our both countries,” he said. (NAN)
