 |
| COAS, Lieutenant GGeneral Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja Presenting a Gift to Israel’s Ambassador Mr Michael Shaun Freeman during his visit to Army Headquarter, Abuja |
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant GGeneral Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has solicited for Technology Expansion of Nigerian Army Operations, medical cooperation from the Israeli Government and to assist in timing approval of visa for Nigerian Army medical personnel and troops who will be evacuated to Israel for medical purposes.
Lagbaja made the appeal at the COAS Conference Room, when he hosted the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Shaun Freeman, on Thursday, 10 August, 2023, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the nation's capital.
He said the Nigerian Army NA had a very wonderful and working relationship with Medical establishments and facility in Israel but have been facing challenges of evacuating some of Nigerian Army personnel, wounded troops to Israel.
The Army Chief noted that, a Nigerian Army tea are currently visiting the Israeli emergency services to explore ways of expanding the relationship that exist between the Nigerian Army and the medical establishments in Israel.
"We want to take our relationship and cooperation that exist in the Nigerian Army to higher level and we look forward to the embassy facilitating that for us. We want to expand the operations of the Nigerian Army and we look forward to Israel in area of they can be of help.
"We are very much conscious of the fact that Israel is a leader when its comes to defense and security sector, especially in accusation of technology, so we look forward to collaborating with the establishment and organizations in Israel provide technological edge through the Nigerian Army NA for the conduct of our ooperations nd other activities that we are engaged in." COAS said.
He also appeal for quick response to visa from the Israel Embassy for the army personnel and NA is looking forward to more beneficiary with you.
The COAS on behalf of the principal staff of the Nigerian Army thanked the Israeli Ambassador Freeman and his Deputy for the visist to Army Headquarter. He thanked the ambassador for the friendship that exist between the Nigerian Army and the State of Israel.
Earlier in his remarks, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Shaun Freeman reiterated Israelis commitment to collaborate with Nigeria to Strengthens Nigerian Army relationship with medical establishments and facilities in Israel and defence growth through advanced technology.
Ambassador Freeman who said he has been in Nigeria for a year and a half affirmed that his purpose of visit is to renew Israeli-Nigeria ties and show support to the Nigerian Army because Israel prioritize apparently Africa, but Nigeria specifically has significant experience and knowledge in army defence and israel requested to share that with Nigeria.
He said, Israel who is the world leader in military defence will work with the Nigeria Military to tackle problems and insecurity challenges in Nigeria. We only stay in region that has high stability terrorism, whether that is through insurgency, whatever that may be. And it's in everybody's interest.
"We want to work with you for the benefits of both countries. I want you to know that Israel is your friend, Israeli is your ally and is ready to work with you, anywhere you want to work with us." he reiterated.
