Terrorism: Ukraine seeks military cooperation with Nigeria

The government of Ukraine has indicated its willingness to cooperate with its Nigerian counterpart in sustaining the fight against extreme violence.

Ukrainian envoy to Nigeria, Valerii Aleksandruk, at an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the country’s renewed independence, condemned acts of terror committed by Boko Haram terrorists, saying his government remained strongly behind Nigeria in its fight against the menace.

He, however, pointed out that signing of an agreement would provide a legal framework for mutual benefits in the area of military cooperation between Nigeria and Ukraine.

“We are interested in developing cooperation with Nigeria in the military sphere. We are sure that providing a legal base of such cooperation, notably the signing of the agreement on military cooperation between the defense ministries of both states, will allow us to further develop mutually beneficial ties,” Aleksandruk said.

He informed that agreements on trade and economic cooperation, and on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, were ready for signing and that his government would be glad to welcome a high-level Nigerian delegation in Ukraine this year for that purpose.

“Such visit will provide a good opportunity, not only to sign these important agreements, but also to discuss the prospects of our bilateral cooperation in different areas.

“We are satisfied with the present state of cooperation with Nigeria in education sphere, and we are ready to further develop mutually beneficial contacts in this area,” he noted.

In the area of education, the envoy charged Nigerian government to work towards the finalising, and signing of the intergovernmental agreement, as a way to further unite people of both countries.