Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, has reaffirmed the need to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship and defence cooperation between Nigeria and his country.

He made the reaffirmation during a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador described Nigeria as an important partner in Africa, reiterating his Kingdom’s readiness to support closer engagement and cooperation between both countries, particularly in the defence and security sectors.

Al-Balawi noted that stronger institutional and professional links between the two countries’ armed forces would contribute to improving cooperation in addressing common security challenges.

In his remarks, the CDS noted the importance Nigeria attached to her relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasising the need to sustain and expand the existing channels of cooperation, particularly in areas that would enhance the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Oluyede appreciated the ambassador for the continued goodwill of the Kingdom towards Nigeria and expressed optimism that their discussions would translate into tangible areas of cooperation.

The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj. -Gen. Samaila Uba, said in a statement that the visit provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to deepening military-to-military relations and exploring additional areas of cooperation that are mutually important.

Similarly, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening maritime security and defence cooperation with the Nigerian Navy.

Kabir did this yesterday during an engagement with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), where he identified maritime security, professional training, technology exchange, naval shipbuilding and defence-industrial development as key areas for stronger collaboration.

He said the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh should be translated into practical areas of cooperation, particularly in the maritime and defence sectors.

Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the High Commissioner and his delegation for the visit and highlighted Nigeria’s operational experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

The CNS said Nigeria’s experience offered opportunities for professional exchanges and shared learning between the two countries, stressing the need for stronger cooperation among regional navies in tackling maritime threats that transcend national boundaries.

He also referenced Nigeria’s participation in multinational maritime security initiatives, including its engagement with the Combined Maritime Task Force, as a possible framework for addressing maritime security challenges along the Myanmar-Bangladesh maritime border.

The meeting also explored opportunities for training and professional exchanges, naval technology, shipbuilding and indigenous defence-industrial development.

The Nigerian Navy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing industry as a potential area for knowledge sharing to strengthen local production of military uniforms.

Both sides also discussed prospects for technical cooperation in naval shipbuilding and other areas of mutual interest.