Nigeria, Pakistan Armed Forces hold talks on strengthening defence collaboration

The Nigerian Armed Forces and that of Pakistan have held joint military talks to strengthen the existing defence collaboration agreements between the two countries.

The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor represented by the Director Policy, Defence Headquarters, Major General Usman made this known during the Fourth-Round Nigeria-Pakistan Joint Military Staff Talks in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

General Yusuf said that “issues of development and advancement of both Armed Forces, both in regional and global peace are one of the major issues to look into”.

He added that “they cherished their old longtime friendship as they are looking forward to building on what the two armies or the two armed forces have done over the years”.

He also appreciated the Pakistan government and the team for all the assistance and cooperation given to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Head of the delegation, Major General Majid Jahangir said that “both countries have always enjoyed cordial and brotherly relations since the inceptions”.

According to him, these relations are bounded by shared values, mutual respect and common interests.

General Jahangir said that “the similarity of challenges confronting both nations brings the two brotherly nations further close”.

He noted that both countries enjoy a broad based relationship in all domains.

The Head of delegation said that “the defense cooperation between the two countries is decades old and is spread across multiple domains including training, capacity building, defecse, collaboration and reciprocal visits”.

According to him, Pakistan Armed Forces recognizes, appreciates and respects the professionalism of Nigerian armed forces and are keen to further expand the existing bond.

He said that “it is indeed a matter of great satisfaction that both military cooperation is consistently expanding with every passing year, the forum of Joint Military Pak-Nigeria Staff Talks is playing a very important role in furthering the same”.

He stressed that he is certain that the Fourth Round of Joint Military Pakistan-Nigeria Staff Talks will prove to be another stepping stone towards strengthening and expanding the existing level of military cooperation between both friendly countries and the armed forces.

He added that today’s forum provides an ideal platform to further enhance the cooperation and take it to the next higher level.

The meeting had both the Officers of Armed Forces of Nigeria and a delegation from Pakistan in attendance.