The Federal Government has expressed its determination to strengthen its bilateral ties with the Republic of Turkey on key infrastructure for mutual economic development.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made this known while receiving in the audience the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, in the company of his deputy, Mr. Burak Hamarat, in his office.
Director, Information, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, quoted SGF as saying that Nigeria and Turkey share a rich history of mutual cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, as exemplified by their membership in multilateral bodies. In his words:
“Nigeria and Turkey share identical views on topical global issues and governance systems, particularly the need for greater inclusiveness to accommodate all interests across the various regions of the world. Both countries are committed to addressing the challenges to development through multilateralism, as exemplified by their efforts at the Developing Eight Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), amongst others. Türkiye supported Nigeria’s candidate and current Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” Akume said.
According to him, there is a need to strengthen its ties with the Republic of Turkey through the three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and the four agreements, which border on the fields of energy, hydrocarbons, and mining, as well as youth empowerment and the establishment of mechanisms for political consultations, among others.
In the area of economic relations, the SGF stated that despite the fact that Nigeria and Turkey have been enjoying mutually beneficial relations, there is a need to strengthen the legal framework on which the two countries signed in 2011.
George Akume, while thanking the envoy, further acknowledged the agreements Nigeria has with the Republic of Turkey on defence and security, which have enabled Nigeria to train its personnel and purchase military helicopters for the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency.
The Ambassador, Hidayet Bayraktar, said in his remarks that the Republic of Turkey would further strengthen the legal framework that was signed by both countries in 2011 to deepen the already existing economic relationship that will be beneficial to both countries.
The Turkish Ambassador further assured that the Republic of Turkey is committed to consolidating its ties with the Tinubu-led administration to ensure that the agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries are followed to the letter for mutual benefits.
