Nigeria will continue to purchase weapons from Russia and increase military cooperation 0411112

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Defense News - Nigeria
 
 
Friday, November 4, 2011, 09:47 AM
 
Nigeria will continue to purchase weapons from Russia and increase military cooperation.
The Nigerian government has approved to continue the purchase of Russian military equipment, said Nigerian defense minister. Nigeria's Minister of Defense Bello Mohammed gave the assurance on Thursday when the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexander Polyakov, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
     
The Nigerian government has approved to continue the purchase of Russian military equipment, said Nigerian defense minister. Nigeria's Minister of Defense Bello Mohammed gave the assurance on Thursday when the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexander Polyakov, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Nigerian army soldiers from the 322nd Parachute Regiment practice field tactics during combat training exercise.
     

The minister said relations between the two countries dated back to the days of the USSR have been mutual, adding that Nigeria had been Russia's strategic partner in the area of defense.

"Nigeria is a friendly country, and we do not forget those who stood by us in the time of need," the minister told his guest.

Earlier, Polyakov had expressed his country's commitment to strengthen existing relations between the two countries.

"We want to maintain, develop and strengthen the existing cordial relations with Nigeria, especially in the area of defense and technical cooperation," the envoy added.

"Russia has signed some bilateral agreements with Nigeria and we wish to consolidate on them as well as work out a strong military and defense cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Polyakov said his country remained one of the world's leading producers and exporters of weapons, adding its weapons are certified and reliable.

"We offer to train Nigerian military personnel and also improve their technical capability," he added.