Mehmet Poroy, Turkish ambassador to Nigeria,on Thursday, February 19, declared that Turkey is ready to strengthen military ties with Nigeria because both countries face similar challenges in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on Thursday, Poroy said Turkey will share its capabilities and resources with Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria’s success in combating terrorism would be crucial to the stability of the entire West African sub-region and Africa as a whole.
“We have fought various terrorist organisations for years and gained significant experience and success. Nigeria is also fighting several terrorist organisations, primarily Boko Haram and ISWAP,” Poroy said.
“Therefore, we want to support Nigeria in this area by sharing our experience, capabilities, and resources.”
Poroy also shared that Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had expressed that we stand by Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
“In addition to providing military equipment and critical systems, our companies also work with Nigerian authorities for joint local production of equipment in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that Turkey is attracted to Nigeria because of its status as West Africa’s largest economy and Africa’s fourth-largest economy, noting that this position cannot be overlooked.
As the biggest country on the continent, he noted, Turkey sees Nigeria as an important strategic partner.
The Turkish envoy recalled that relations between both countries date back to the 16th century, during contacts between the Ottoman and Kanem-Bornu empires.
Poroy’s comments follow president Bola Tinubu’s visit to Turkey last month.
Comments