Nigeria, Indonesia to exchange intelligence, military personnel

The Nigerian Government and its Indonesian counterpart have signed a letter of intent that would promote bilateral defence cooperation between the countries.

The areas of cooperation contained in the letter include the exchange of high-ranking operational officials, the promotion of education and training as well as promotion of defence industries and intelligence sharing.

A statement on Wednesday by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri, said the agreement contained in the letter would be done in accordance with the laws of the countries.

The statement partly read, ” The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the Federal Republic of Indonesia have signed a letter of intent to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.

“The objective of the letter of intent, according to the parties, is aimed at promoting defence cooperation in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations of the two countries. They affirmed maintaining the principle of mutual respect, fairness, and reciprocity.

“The areas of cooperation contained in the letter of intent include the exchange of high-ranking operational officials, the promotion of education and training as well as the promotion of defence industries and intelligence sharing.
The signing of the letter of intent which has articles one to three opened a new vista of hope in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, who represented the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi(retd) signed for Nigeria while the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hustra Harahap, did for Indonesia.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence Head Quarters, Ship House, Abuja.