TheCable

President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic says there is a need for cooperation between his country and Nigeria over security issues. 

Speaking on Monday when he was hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari, Bazoum said the fact that Nigerians flee to Niger during attacks “shows that we need to cooperate, and we will face our challenges together”.

Bazoum, who assumed office in April, is in Nigeria on his first international visit.

He said he was delighted to make Nigeria his first port of call, noting that the two countries had common interests, “and, therefore, a good relationship is very important”.

On his part, Buhari said his government will do all it can to stabilise the West African sub-region, as Nigerians and Nigeriens share similar cultures and languages.

“We will stabilise our region for the benefit of the two countries,” Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying.

“Nigerians and Nigeriens are people with similar culture, language and ways of life, and we also share about 1,500 kilometres of land border, so we cannot ignore each other.

“We will do all it takes to secure our two countries.”

The president congratulated Bazoum on winning the recent presidential election, and his successful inauguration into office.

“You have been in the system for a long time. The only thing is that you had never been president. Now you are one,” Buhari added.