Nigeria and Italy To Finalize Draft Of Technical Military and Defence Agreement – Defence Minister

Nigeria and Italy To Finalize Draft Of Technical Military and Defence Agreement – Defence Minister

Remarks By The Honourable Minister Of Defence Minister Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali On His Visit To Italian Defence Minister

Her Excellency Madam Roberta Pinnoti
Minister of Defence Italy.

It gives me a great pleasure on behalf of our Armed Forces and the good people of Nigeria to be invited by the Italian Defence Minister for bilateral talks between our two countries.

Nigeria and Italy has a long partnership economically and most recently security. My visit today is a confirmation of the long standing partnership that exists between our two great nations.  I want to use this opportunity to thank your country for the support through European Union to my country in fighting terrorism.  I want to appeal to you to also consider humanitarian assistance to the displace persons in the North Eastern part of Nigeria affected by the inhumanity of the Boko Haram terrorists.  Since the coming of the President Buhari’s administration two years ago a lot has been achieved in the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes across the sub region.

As you are aware also Nigeria and other countries along the gulf of Guinea suffer lot of criminal activities, from drug and human trafficking, piracy, robbery and other criminal maritime activities. This practice no doubt is a threat to the existence of humanity and economic development of our nations.  I therefore solicit for your cooperation so that together we can stamp out crimes in our maritime environment.

It should be recalled during the visit of your Prime Minister to my country in February 2016 the need to have enhanced cooperation in the defence sector was given a top priority. Both President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Renzi agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries that will see to the prompt destruction of Boko Haram Insurgents and other illegal crimes in our territorial waters.

My visit here today is therefore aimed towards consolidating what our two leaders kick started in Abuja early last year.

6.     I want to assure you very soon Nigerian and Italy will finalise the draft of a technical military and defence agreement   that will among other things facilitate:

a.  Exchange of data and experiences on technical matters affecting the preparation and conduct of combined naval operations in the field of counter piracy awareness and oil platforms protection.

b.   Hold combines counter piracy exercises and other maritime security activities in international waters and territorial waters of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

c.   Train Nigerian Navy personnel ashore    and on-board of the Italian vessels.

d.  Be able to arrange working meetings and briefings ashore and on shore between experts to discuss the implementation of this Agreement and results of training and cooperation activities.

e. To take measures to improve the readiness of the parties to conduct combined naval operations.

f.   To engage some Italian companies in the area of repairs and remodelling of some Nigerian Army self-propelled artillery equipment.

g. The agreement will also consider cooperation in any other field of naval activities at practical level.  I can assure you very soon the two countries will sign Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen out cooperation.

Finally, Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to thank the Government and the good people of Italy for the warm reception accorded +to me and my delegation since our arrival into this beautiful and historic country that share political, social and religious bonds with Nigeria.

7.      I thank you all for your attention.