TheCable

The federal government has called on Iran to strengthen its military cooperation with Nigeria.

Bashir Magashi, the minister of defence, made the call on Wednesday when he hosted the Iranian ambassador to Nigeria.

During the meeting, the minister said a more robust collaboration would be of benefit to both countries.

Mohammad Abdulkadir, special assistant to the minister, quoted him as saying there has never been a better time for Nigeria’s genuine allies to turn up as the country fights multiple threats to its territorial integrity.

Expressing gratitude for the proposals for improved military ties between Nigeria and Iran, the minister was quoted as saying a “friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Magashi asked the ambassador to come up with implementable templates for considerations towards robust engagements between the armed forces of the two countries.

On his part, Mohammed Alibak, the Iranian ambassador, thanked the minister for providing strategic direction that would help to finetune a strategy and synergy for the new partnership with Nigeria.

Albak promised to key into the new plans, including visitation to Iran by the Nigerian delegation to assess fighting equipment Iran is offering to Nigeria.