The Defense Headquarters has once again reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to boost defense and security ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi paid a courtesy visit to the Defense Headquarters.
The visit, held at the Defense Headquarters provided an opportunity for the two countries to review existing areas of collaboration and explore new avenues for enhanced military-to-military cooperation.
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa Olufemi Oluyede received the ambassador during the engagement and said Nigeria values its long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia.
He stressed the need for continued and expanded cooperation in areas that would improve the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Oluyede appreciated the Kingdom for its continued goodwill toward Nigeria and noted that improved defense relations would go a long way in the regional and global security efforts.
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In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Balawi said Nigeria is a strategic partner in Africa, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the country.
He said the Kingdom is ready to strengthen engagement and cooperation in defense and security issues for the benefit of both countries.
The two sides agreed that strengthening institutional and professional ties between their armed forces would foster greater cooperation in confronting common security challenges and promoting stability.
The CDS said he was optimistic that the discussions would translate into concrete areas of cooperation to further consolidate the long standing partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The visit highlighted the commitment of both countries to furthering their bilateral ties and fostering peace, security and stability through enhanced defense cooperation.