The permanent secretary of Ministry of Defence Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana Mni has said that Nigeria will continue to strengthen military bilateral relations with the Zimbabwe Federation.
Dr. Kana stated this when he hosted a delegation of Zimbabwe national defence national defence University participants who are on a strategic/ familiarisation tour of Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Zimbabwe Federation have a bilateral understanding on military relations which was instituted in the early 1980s when the Zimbabwean Federation attained Political Independence during the administration of the Nigerian second Republic president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari in which Nigeria played a central role in their Independence struggle.
Dr kana said that there was no signed agreement or memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the fence cooporation between both countries. He however pointed out that a draft MoU on Defence cooperation can be initiated between the two countries to further the areas of training of Zimbabwean Armed Forces Personnel in Nigeria, exchange of directing exchange of directing staff as well as students from military institutions of both countries, participation of both countries personnel in joint military training, exercises and partaking in seminars, conferences and symposium of defense interest.
He hinted that the strategic/familiarisation visit by the Zimbabwe National Defense University Participants would open more high-level talks that would culminate into a more reinforced military cooperation as a working tool for future collaboration between the two countries.
Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of the delegation, Brig. Gen.Tendai Elliot Stanley commended the permanent secretary on the military cooperation between both countries.
Tendai said that the delegation comprised of 28 members: a team leader, 10 directing 10 directing staff and 17 participants.
He appreciated the permanent secretary for granting them an audience, adding that their tour to some countries which included Nigeria was to seek information on the activities of the defence sector. In his vote of thanks, lieutenant Colonel Isaac Bukaro commended the Ministry of Defence for hosting the delegation. He said that the knowledge they have gained from the interactive section would be strategically put to practice in the Zimbabwe defence University.
There was a brief presentation by the Deputy Director, Joint Services Department, Mr. Blessing Akpotu, to acquaint the delegation on the Nigerian National Defense Policy.
Asonye Daberechi R. Jeff Amaka 31/5/2023.
