The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
The CDS made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Mr. Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. General Oluyede was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
Speaking on behalf of the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa described the Nigeria-United States relationship as one built on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security.
He commended the United States for its continued support to Nigeria in key areas, including military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations and institutional capacity development.
According to him, the evolving security challenges across Africa require stronger international cooperation, noting that strategic partnerships remain critical in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats.
Edosa expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral defence relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He also reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to professionalism, regional stability and sustained collaboration aimed at promoting lasting peace and security in Nigeria and across the African continent.
In his remarks, the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Frank Garcia, thanked the Defence Headquarters for the warm reception accorded his delegation.
Garcia reiterated the commitment of the United States Government to deepening its strategic partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as a key player in advancing peace, stability and security in West Africa and across the continent.
He praised the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security threats, assuring the Defence Headquarters of continued U.S. support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and sustained strategic dialogue.
The meeting also provided both countries with an opportunity to exchange views on regional security challenges, strengthen mutual understanding and explore additional areas of defence collaboration in pursuit of shared security objectives.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, disclosed the details of the visit in a statement issued on Tuesday.
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