The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi has met with the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Alibakis in Abuja to promote military diplomatic ties between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Iranian Armed Forces for the mutual benefit of both countries.
General Magashi told the visiting envoy at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja that it is in a time like this when the Nigerian Military is decimating multiple threats to national territorial integrity that the genuine allies of the country will be known through their various supports.
The Defence Minister in appreciation of the proposals for improved military ties between Nigeria and the Islamic Republic of Iran alluded to a common saying that a “Friend in need is a friend indeed.“
General Magashi called on the Iranian Ambassador to come up with implementable templates for considerations with a view to driving a new vision that would emplace robust engagements between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
The Iranian Ambassador, Mohammed Albak who was accompanied by the Political Adviser Mostafa Majdara appreciated the Defence Minister for providing strategic direction that will fine-tune strategy and synergy in line with the new partnership with Nigeria.
He promised to key into the new plans that will attract a win-win outcome including visitation to Iran by the Nigerian delegation for on-the-spot assessments of the fighting equipment that the country is offering Nigeria on Government- to – Government business basis.
Meanwhile, the Minister inaugurated a Committee to plan the hosting of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria- South Africa Defence Forum (DEFCOM) coming up from 19th to 21st October this year.
The term of reference for members of the committee drawn from the Tri-Services and Military Institutions is to draw up actionable programmes for the successful hosting of the event.
The Nigeria- South Africa Defence Forum which dates back to 2015 is in furtherance of the signed 2013 Memorandum of Understanding, which has the sole aim of promoting Civil-Military Relations and formulating Procedures for Military Cooperation between their respective Armed Forces according to the statement by the Ministry.
PIAK
