The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for the sustenance and expansion of defence cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas that would enhance the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Oluyede made the call when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, His Excellency Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the visit provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to deepening longstanding bilateral relations, strengthening military-to-military cooperation and exploring additional areas of mutual interest.
The CDS welcomed the Saudi Ambassador and expressed appreciation for the visit, noting the importance Nigeria attaches to its relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He emphasised the need to sustain and expand existing channels of cooperation, particularly in areas capable of enhancing the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Ambassador reiterated the Kingdom’s readiness to support closer engagement and cooperation between both countries, particularly in the defence and security sectors.
Both sides acknowledged that stronger institutional and professional links between the armed forces of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia would contribute to improved cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
General Oluyede appreciated the Ambassador for the continued goodwill of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards Nigeria and expressed optimism that the discussions would translate into tangible areas of defence and security cooperation.
The visit, according to the statement, underscores the commitment of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to strengthening their bilateral partnership and advancing shared interests in peace, security and stability.
