Iran, Nigeria study defense cooperation

Islamic Republic News Agency:

Defence ministers of Iran and Nigeria here Monday underlined defense cooperation within the framework of Islamic solidarity. READ MORE

Iran's Defense Minister Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani and his Nigerian counterpart Rabiu Kwankaso, in a meeting, exchanged views on cooperation in defence, military and economic areas, Publicity Department of Defence Ministry said.

Islamic countries, with respect to Islamic solidarity, should further cooperate, said Shamkhani.

He expressed hope that peace and stability would be crystallized across the world including Africa continent and that ethnic clashes would end.

He stressed that Nigeria is considered as a center of power in west Africa and Iran enjoys geo-politics and geo-economic privileges in the Middle East, saying expansion of defence ties between the two powerful states is of high importance.

The visit of president Khatami to African countries is considered as a sign of strong will from two countries' officials to promote bilateral relations that could pave the way for cooperation in defense and military areas.

He noted that Iran's defence ministry is ready to upgrade defence potential of Nigeria and implement various industrial projects in that country.

The Nigerian minister, for his part, called for cooperation between defence ministries of Iran and Nigeria to supply his country with military hardware.

He stressed that his country would welcome Iran's contribution to implement industrial and economic projects in Nigeria.

Nigerian Defense Minister Rabiu Kwankaso arrived here Monday on an official visit.
Kwankaso, heading a delegation, was welcomed by Advisor to Iran's defense minister Mir Hamid Nasl-Pak at Imam Khomeini International Airport.

During his stay here, the Nigerian minister is to meet President Mohammad Khatami. He is also to hold another round of talks with his counterpart Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani.

The Nigerian minister is also to visit industrial units of Iran's Defense Ministry.
Kwankaso and Shamkhani are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defense cooperation.