By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The federal government has stated that it will continue to reinforce bilateral relations with the United States on military cooperation.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated this when he hosted a delegation of the United States Air War College participants undertaking Foreign Study Tour of allied countries at the Ship House Abuja.
According to Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Kana described the Nigerian foreign policy as afrocentric, stressing that the country has played a pivotal role in providing Peace Support Operations to many African countries such as Mali, Equatorial, Liberia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia, Sudan and Chad among others.
“Nigeria and United States of America have enjoyed a mutual bilateral relation over the years following the establishment of a diplomatic relation with Nigeria in 1960.
“He further explained that the inauguration of the civilian President in 1999 deepened the relationship between both countries and improved the cooperation on foreign policy goals such as regional peace keeping.
“The Permanent Secretary noted that the visit of the United States Air War College participants would help both countries to 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 audience adding that the visit would afford them the opportunity of learning 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 of both countries.”
