President Erdoğan: We are strengthening our cooperation with Nigeria on military, defense and security matters
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria following their talks.
President Erdoğan wished Allah’s mercy upon the Nigerians who lost their lives in the terrorist attack that targeted a market place 2 days ago in the Sokoto province, extended his condolences to their loved ones and the Nigerian people, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Voicing his belief that his visit to Nigeria after 5 years would elevate the Turkey-Nigeria relations to the next level, President Erdoğan said: “The agreements we just signed have crowned our visit. During our talks with President Buhari, we discussed all aspects of the Turkey-Nigeria relations. We exchanged views on how to further advance our relations in all areas. We gladly observed that we share the same determination to deepen our cooperation. Next year, we will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.”
“OUR BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME WITH NIGERIA REACHED $2 BILLION IN 2020”
Noting that Nigeria housed one of the oldest diplomatic missions of Turkey in Africa, President Erdoğan said: “Nigeria, which is an important member of such organizations as the D-8, OIC, ECOWAS and the African Union, is among the leading countries in its region and the world. The efforts, which Nigeria exerts to establish peace, stability, and economic development in Africa are praiseworthy.”
President Erdoğan said that Turkey’s bilateral trade volume with Nigeria, which was a production hub of Africa, reached $2 billion in 2020.
President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: “With this visit, we have given impetus to our relations with Africa, built upon strategic partnership. We have increased the number of our embassies in Africa up to 43. We will hold the 3rd Turkey-Africa Business Forum in Istanbul on October 21-22, 2021. Subsequently, we will host the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul on December 17-18, 2021. We are determined to further our cooperation with Nigeria in all areas. We are especially happy that many young Nigerians are benefiting from the Türkiye Scholarships, and are studying at universities in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus.”
“WE ARE STRENGTHENING OUR COOPERATION WITH NIGERIA ON MILITARY, DEFENSE AND SECURITY MATTERS”
Underscoring that Turkey closely followed the developments in the friendly and brotherly country of Nigeria, President Erdoğan said: “We are strengthening our cooperation on military, defense and security matters with Nigeria, which is fighting against terrorist organizations, armed gangs and pirates at the same time. I would like to take this occasion to wish Allah’s mercy upon our Nigerian brothers and sisters who lost their lives in terror attacks, and patience to their loved ones and the Nigerian people.”
President Erdoğan noted that Turkey stood ready to share its globally-praised means and capabilities in defense industry and security with Nigeria.
President Erdoğan further remarked as follows: “I am sure that our sensitivity in the fight against terror will be reciprocated by the Nigerian authorities. As you know, Turkey has, for long years, been fighting against various terrorist organizations, notably the PKK/PYD, FETO and DAESH. Regarding the illegal activities in Nigeria of the FETO, which is the perpetrator of the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, 2016, we continue to share the necessary information with the Nigerian authorities.”
