The Brazilian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ARAGUARI, yesterday pledged to partner with its Nigerian counterpart in ensuring maximum security in the maritime domain of both countries especially in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Commander of the vessel, Lieutenant Commander Robledo De Lemos Costa Esa, who is currently on a two-day visit to Lagos with the ship's crew, made this disclosure during the courtesy call to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas.
The commander who came with the Brazilian Defence Attache to Nigeria, Colonel Luis Olavo, met with the FOC and other principal staff officers including the Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral LON Iwuoha; the Chief Security Officer, Rear Admiral JKZ Ango and the Chief Operations Officer, Commodore IO Mohammed.
He said, "This trip represents a momentous occasion for us. We hope that this relationship between both countries will keep growing because for us to achieve security in the maritime domain, we must corporate with each other.
"Our job presents us with a lot of danger so the key word to surmount it is cooperation. On our part, you can count on us to cooperate when we are needed."
In response, the FOC said the Brazilian vessel before departure would be involved in a combined sea exercise with NN vessels from the western command.
Code-named Exercise NIGBRAEX, Ibas said the fleet would engage in sea manoeuvres with the Brazilian vessel, adding that the visit was a necessity because the importance of this area cannot be understated.
He said, "Brazil and Nigeria have come a long way given our socio-cultural ties which dates back to the early days of our national existence.
"Therefore, the strategic importance of this area cannot be understated and as such, we have explored ways to partners some Brazilian ship building firms.
"Also, we want to believe that the training package will benefit both parties given that the are some things we can learn from your men and vice versa."
No comments:
Post a Comment