The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with France.

Mr Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Adm. Abolade Ogunleye, made this known at the end of the fifth Nigeria-France high defence staff talks in Abuja on Tuesday.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba on Tuesday.

He described the two-day meeting as an important platform for consolidating the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

Mr Oluyede said the talks continue to serve as a critical mechanism for enhancing bilateral military cooperation through strategic dialogue, joint training, intelligence sharing, capacity building and other collaborative initiatives.

He said the enduring relationship between Nigeria and France reflects their shared commitment to advancing regional and global peace, security and stability.

According to him, Nigeria remains committed to sustaining and expanding existing areas of cooperation, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the talks will further strengthen defence collaboration between both countries.

The CDS also expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen professional ties and foster lasting friendships among members of the Nigerian and French delegations.

Leader of the French delegation, Lt.-Gen. Eric Peltier appreciated the Armed Forces of Nigeria for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed France’s commitment to deepening defence collaboration through sustained strategic dialogue.

Mr Peltier described Nigeria as a leading African power playing a pivotal role in promoting regional stability, noting that its experience and understanding of regional security dynamics remain invaluable.

He said the high-level engagement provided an opportunity to identify new areas of cooperation while strengthening existing defence relations through closer interaction among relevant defence institutions.

Mr Peltier expressed confidence that the discussions would produce tangible outcomes and mark another milestone in the evolving strategic partnership between Nigeria and France.

The fifth Nigeria-France high defence staff talks underscored both countries’ resolve to deepen defence cooperation in response to evolving security, geopolitical, economic and regional realities.

(NAN)