By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Federal Government of Nigeria and authorities in Indonesia have sealed a military and intelligence exchange deal that would bolster defence cooperation between both countries.
Terms of the deal signed on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House in Abuja, include the exchange of high-ranking operational officials, the promotion of education and training as well as promotion of defence industries and intelligence sharing, a letter of cooperation signed by both countries
Implementation of terms contained in this deal would be in accordance with the laws of both countries, Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the Federal Republic of Indonesia have signed a letter of intent to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
“The objective of the letter of intent, according to the parties, is aimed at promoting defence cooperation in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations of the two countries. They affirmed maintaining the principle of mutual respect, fairness, and reciprocity.
“The areas of cooperation contained in the letter of intent include the exchange of high-ranking operational officials, the promotion of education and training, as well as the promotion of defence industries and intelligence sharing.
“The signing of the letter of intent, which has articles one to three, opened a new vista of hope in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries”, the statement read in part.
The Permanent Secretary of the Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Kana, who represented the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.), signed on behalf of Nigeria while the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hustra Harahap, signed on behalf of his country.
