By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday hosted the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and defence cooperation between both countries.
The meeting, which was held with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, provided an opportunity for Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to reaffirm their commitment to deepening military-to-military ties and exploring new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Oluyede welcomed the ambassador and expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, stressing the need to sustain and expand existing channels of cooperation.
The CDS said closer collaboration, particularly in areas that would enhance the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, remained important.
On his part, Al-Balawi described Nigeria as an important partner in Africa and expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen relations with the country, particularly in the defence and security sectors.
He said stronger institutional and professional links between the armed forces of both countries would enhance their capacity to address common security challenges.
Oluyede appreciated the Saudi government for its continued goodwill towards Nigeria and expressed optimism that the discussions would result in tangible areas of cooperation.
The visit underscored the commitment of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to advancing their shared interests in peace, security and stability.
