The Peoples Republic of China has donated 46meters patrol boats and military equipment to the Nigerian Navy.
Receiving the equipment, the Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Bashir Magashi, said the gesture was a consolidation of the bilateral defence agreement between the two countries.
The colorful event was witnessed by dignitaries from China, as the Nigerian military officers were in high spirit to receive another patrol vessel.
The Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Bashir Magashi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ahlaji Ibrahim Kana, said current efforts of the Federal Government towards supporting the military to combat insecurity in the country had been yielding tremendous success.
General Bashir Magashi observed that with the support and donation of equipment and platforms from strategic partners like China, the capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces would be further enhanced.
On his part, the Chief Of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awaal Gambo, said the donation of the 46metres patrol vessel to the Nigerian Navy marked another milestone in the bilateral collaboration between the two countries, while attesting to China’s determination to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
Vice Admiral Gambo expressed optimism that the vessel would further enhance Nigerian Navy’s capacty to check insecurity within the nation’s maritime domain and beyond
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jian Chun, stressed that Nigeria was the most important country not only in Africa, but also in the whole world; and therefore could not be ignored by China.
Juan chun underscored the importance of economic cooperation to both countries.
The representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tunde Mustapha, remarked that the relationship between Nigeria and China had been very cordial since it was established in 1971.
RADIO NIGERIA