Korea seeks military cooperation with Nigeria

Chris Agbambu, Abuja - 01.02.2008

THE Republic of Korea has urged Nigeria to cooperate with it on military matters. The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ri Chan Ho, said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, in his office in Abuja.

He said both Korea and Nigeria attached great importance to military matters and had a lot to learn from each other.

Mr. Ri said if his country had a military pact with Nigeria, it would place both countries on sound military footing globally.

He urged the minister to inform the Federal Government, the need for such a pact in the area of barracks development and boat building, in which, he said, his country had enormous capability.

Responding, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed commended Korea’s continued commitment to the relationship with Nigeria.

He said the strategic location of the Korean Peninsula made the country a respected power in the international community.

The minister said “we in Nigeria see Korea as a nation with commitment towards projecting the image of the third world.”

On barracks development and boats, the minister said the government would look into it at the level of officials of both countries.