The Deputy Division Head, Italian Defence General Staff Policy and Planning, Maj.-Gen. Massimo Biagini, has called for increased defence cooperation between the Italian and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Biagini made the call when he led the delegation of the Italian Defence General Staff on courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the visit was to enhance the defence cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.
According to him, the cooperation between Nigeria and Italy is not new but it is the first time they are having it at the level of defence and also the first time they want to push their cooperation in different areas.
Biagini said that the visit would afford them the opportunity to fashion out different ways the two nations’ armed forces could improve their defence cooperation.
He said the Italian Defence General Staff wanted a relationship that would help the two armed forces find common solutions, actions and activities that could be carried out for mutually beneficial purposes.
Responding, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, who represented COAS, said the Nigerian Army had enjoyed cordial relationship with Italian military over time.
Omozeje said that Nigeria and Italy had maintained cordial relations over many years, adding that several senior officers of the Nigerian Army had benefited from such cooperation in the area of training.
“We also have engagements in terms of weapons and systems that promote what we do.
“So, we look forward to very definite and positive outcome on the joint staff tour and going forward based on the cooperation, friendship and all the activities, exchanges and programmes that we would be conducting together.
“We believe that armed forces of Nigeria will benefit greatly and we will be enabled to overcome all the challenges that are confronting us at this time.
“I want to on behalf of the chief of army staff, officers and men of the Nigerian Army express our deep appreciation to you and the Italian general staff for finding it fit to come and engage with us and we look forward to many more of such engagements,” he said.(NAN)
