“Turkey understands the challenges facing Nigeria and its needs, and we are ready to assist to meet those needs, especially in the area of defence.”
This was the promise made to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria by the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a bilateral meeting with President Buhari shortly before the official commencement of the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul today, December 17.
Erdogan said: “I am happy Nigeria is stepping up cooperation with other nations in areas of defence and health, and we are ready to cooperate with you on these areas and more.”
Turkey, which has growing recognition in the world as a military power and had successes to show in Iraq, Syria, Libya and lately Azerbaijan said it appreciated the Nigerian government’s decision to buy naval ships from their shipyard.
The Turkish leader said that discussions are ongoing on how to strengthen the capacity of the Defence Industries Corporation (DICON) in Kaduna in line with an agreement signed during his last State Visit to Nigeria.
This was even as President Buhari vowed that Nigeria will partner with Turkey in dealing with the current security challenges, acknowledging that Turkey had garnered a lot of experience dealing with security challenges of various kinds.
“Turkey has practical experience dealing with challenges over the years and Nigeria stands to gain from that.”
Giving assurances that the relationship between the two states will continue to grow for the mutual benefits of both countries, President Buhari said that he is pleased with the Turkish offer of support in the area of security and peace in Nigeria.
“I wish to express my appreciation for the special invitation for this meeting and to express my happiness with your offer of assistance in dealing with the challenges facing us.
‘‘I await the reports of officials and the ministers as they hold meetings with their counterparts. I assure you that I will endorse all their positive recommendations
