From Our Correspondent
Mr Hidayet Bayraktar, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, has described Nigeria as a rising power in Africa, given her population and large economy.
Bayraktar made the remarks while commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, on Friday, in Abuja.
He noted that the relationship between his home country and Nigeria dates back to 1960. “They built the relationship on friendship and mutual benefits”.
He said that both President Tayyip Erdoğan and former President Muhammadu Buhari strengthened bilateral relations with mutual visits in 2021.
“These reciprocal high-level visits provided the opportunity to underline our shared goal of strengthening our bilateral ties in every field.
“We sincerely believe that we will continue to build and reinforce our partnership with the Nigerian government.
“The reinforcement was newly re-established after the election in February.
“The challenges Nigeria and its immediate region face today, such as terrorism and organised crime, are not just local problems, but subject to international concern,” Bayraktar noted.
He assured that Türkiye would continue to support Nigeria in her fight against terrorism and climate change.
The Ambassador also said that his country was ready to undertake the necessary responsibility to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to combat the menace.
“Similarly, we expect all our friendly and brotherly countries, including Nigeria, to show more solidarity in our fight against terrorist organisations.
“Besides the fight against terrorism, we hope our bilateral trade and economic cooperation trend upwards.
“Furthermore our cooperation, in the field of the relationship industry, is improving.”
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He hinted that Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, paid a visit to Türkiye
this week. Abubakar, the Envoy, said met with Mr Yaşar Güler, the Minister of National Defence of Türkiye.
“We are glad about the ongoing cooperation on T-129 ATAK helicopters and other deals in the defence industry.
“First of two Offshore Patrol Vessels constructed by Dearsan Shipyards for the Nigerian Navy was launched yesterday (Friday) in Gebze, Türkiye.
“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu, also attended and honoured this event.
“I am happy to inform you that the delivery of the first batch of T-129 ATAK
helicopters is planned to be handed over next week. We also have a model of the said
helicopter.
“Turkish aerospace company was kind enough to send this model to our Embassy for exhibition; Turkish investors are already showing a growing interest in Nigeria.”
The envoy said there were more than 100 Turkish companies operating in Nigeria, providing jobs and contributing to the Nigerian economy.
According to him, the Turkish Airline flies to Abuja and Lagos nine times a week.
“We attach utmost importance to the cultural, educational and humane dimensions of our relations.
“In our country, last year, 3,669 Nigerian students were studying in higher educational institutions.
“Some of these students benefit from the scholarship our government grants every year to foreign students studying in Türkiye,” Bayraktar said.
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