Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Balla Hassan Abubakar, has called for collaboration among African Air Forces to sustainably combat insecurity in the regions. 
  
Abubakar made the call yesterday at the opening of the fourth African Air Forces Forum themed, “Strengthening collaborations in advanced aerospace technology for enhanced national and regional security” in Lagos.

According to him, coming together to work as one would deepen cooperation and move Africa’s collective vision of peace, stability and progress across its skies.
  
He said: “We are here today to brainstorm on the prosperity, security and progress across Africa and the North. It is clear that without a doubt, Africa is a continent endowed with a vibrant cultural heritage and limitless potential, united by the shared aspirations and common challenges of its people. As the African proverb wisely puts it, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, then go together. That timeless truth rings louder than ever today, as we stand on that banner of the hope of Africa and Africa’s hope. In an early platform for coastal unity, deepening cooperation, and driving forward our collective vision of peace, stability, and progress across the skies of our beloved continent. 
  
“In today’s rapidly evolving climate environment, the capacity to protect air power, economic producers, sovereigns, logistics, for combat, and performing its message in guiding national security and promoting regional stability. It is important to underscore that at the core of Africa’s effective employment of air power lies the imperative of close-knit partnership, anchored in shared values and strategic interests. In this regard, peace is important, not a form of democracy in time, but a widely distributed landscape across the continent.”
  
His Chinese counterpart and Director of intelligence, Bureau of PLAAF Staff Department, Senior Colonel Zang Yang, who spoke through an interpreter, noted that intercontinental collaboration in fighting transnational crimes cannot be overemphasized.

Adding: “China’s relationship and collaboration with developing countries in combating transnational crimes and ensuring safer skies for the continent of Africa are something that the country takes pride in. 
  
“We feel glad to see Africans come together for a time like this to discuss common aspirations and foster common resolution. Transnational security threats and sundry crimes are not peculiar to Africa. This is why we feel obliged to always grace such occasions when called upon because there is strength in unity.”
   
Similarly, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, noted that the forum was a veritable ground for cross-pollination of ideas.