The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and defence cooperation with Nigeria.

Al-Balawi made the commitment during a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the ambassador described Nigeria as an important partner in Africa and reiterated the Kingdom’s readiness to strengthen engagement and cooperation with the country, particularly in the defence and security sectors.

Al-Balawi said stronger institutional and professional ties between the armed forces of both countries would contribute to enhanced cooperation in tackling common security challenges.

In his remarks, Oluyede stressed the importance Nigeria attached to its relationship with Saudi Arabia, emphasising the need to sustain and expand existing channels of cooperation.
He said such cooperation should particularly focus on initiatives that would strengthen the professional capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The CDS appreciated the ambassador for the continued goodwill of the Saudi government towards Nigeria and expressed optimism that the discussions would translate into tangible areas of cooperation.

According to the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the visit provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their commitment to deepening military-to-military relations.

Uba said the meeting also explored additional areas of cooperation considered mutually beneficial to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.