Defence Minister urges Nigeria, Pakistan navies to collaborate for maritime security [PHOTOS]

BY: Oliseama Okwuchukwu

The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) Mansur Dan Ali has called on Chiefs of Naval Staff of Nigeria and Pakistan to maximize the opportunities of existing bilateral cooperation in order to tackle national security challenges particularly in the maritime domain. The Minister made the assertion this morning during the visit of the Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff (PCNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abassi to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, the Honourable Minister of Defence noted that both Countries have a long standing bilateral relationship with shared security threats ranging from terrorism to maritime threats.

Mansur Dan Ali further observed that the envisaged bilateral cooperation between the two Navies would be beneficial to the countries towards building capacity for operational efficiency.

Speaking earlier, the PCNS, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abassi who is on a two day working visit to the Nigerian Navy, said his country places much value on her relationship with Nigeria, stressing that there are opportunities for both countries to collaborate in developing military synergy, with emphasis on the Navy

Accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff Nigeria, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the PCNS remarked that he is in Nigeria to discuss measures for mutual cooperation needed to strengthen both Navies in tackling maritime security threats.