During a joint press conference with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its ongoing battle against terrorism. Erdogan expressed readiness to bolster cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing, underscoring Türkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism efforts.
The Turkish president praised Nigeria’s firm steps under President Tinubu’s leadership in combating terrorism and emphasized the shared threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, which jeopardize the continent’s stability. Erdogan’s statement highlights Türkiye’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts and the broader fight against terrorism in Africa.
Key Points from Erdogan’s Remarks:
- Commitment to Counterterrorism: Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism initiatives, emphasizing a partnership in military training and intelligence sharing.
- Defense Industry Cooperation: Nigerian officials held discussions with Türkiye’s top defense industry firms, with optimistic prospects for stronger defense cooperation.
- Trade and Economic Relations: Both leaders discussed increasing bilateral trade, with a target of reaching $5 billion in trade volume. The establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was also welcomed as a significant step forward.
- Energy Sector Collaboration: Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s interest in investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, noting Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy economy. Cooperation between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (BOTAS) and Nigerian energy firms is a key focus.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The visit underscores a strong political will from both countries to deepen their cooperation. President Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye is expected to pave the way for more comprehensive collaborations across various sectors, including security, education, innovation, and aviation.
Nigeria’s fight against terrorism has been ongoing for over 12 years, with thousands killed and many displaced. The support from Türkiye, particularly in counterterrorism, defense, and energy sectors, is seen as a vital step in helping Nigeria secure stability and progress.
Both leaders are optimistic about the outcomes of this strengthened partnership, with a shared vision to elevate their relationship and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
