By Francesca Hangeior
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, has said that the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to reinforce bilateral relations with the United States on military cooperation.
Dr Kana stated this when he hosted the delegations of the United States Air War College participants undertaking Foreign Study Tour of allied countries, in Ship House Abuja.
Describing Nigerian foreign policy as afrocentric, he said Nigeria has played a major role in providing peace support operations to many African countries, such as Mali, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan, and Chad, among others.
Nigeria and the United States of America have enjoyed a mutual bilateral relationship over the years following the establishment of a diplomatic relationship with Nigeria in 1960.
He further explained that the inauguration of the civilian president in 1999 deepened the relationship between both countries and improved cooperation on foreign policy goals such as regional peacekeeping.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the visit of the United States Air War College participants would help both countries reinforce military cooperation as a working tool for future collaboration.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Col. Gunter John, appreciated the Permanent Secretary for granting them an audience, adding that the visit would allow them to learn from Nigeria’s approach to defence management and the defence structures.
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation by the Ministry on the existing bilateral military cooperation between both countries.