Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, AVM (rtd) Dr Usra Hendra Harahap, has said that his country is ever ready to strengthen military cooperation with Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.

The Ambassador revealed this during the 74th Independence anniversary and flag hoisting of the Republic of Indonesia in Abuja over the weekend.

Harahap, who said Indonesia and Nigeria have enjoyed decades-long relations in bilateral and military cooperation, indicated that his posting to Nigeria as well as that of a Defence Attache is an indication of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the existing relationships between the two countries.

“I have a military background. My posting to Nigeria is to consolidate on the existing military cooperation between the two nations. We also have a Defence Attache. It is through the DA that a lot of military cooperation will be discussed.

“Military cooperation was one of the issues I discussed with President Buhari when I submitted my letter of credential. We have to strengthen cooperation in training, knowledge-sharing, reciprocal exchange and military equipment,” he said.

The Ambassador, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against

insecurity and corruption, said that countries should relate on the basis of mutual respect. He urged the younger generations to prepare to lead their countries in the future.

Earlier, the Ambassador said the anniversary was to remind Indonesians at home at abroad of the struggle for freedom which led to Independence in 1945.

He reechoed Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s message to all Indonesians to be motivated in order to improve its economy, infrastructure and its people as well as build good relationship with other countries, especially Africa countries.

•Photo shows Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, AVM (rtd) Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap, with some guests during the 74th Independence Anniversary and flag hoisting of the Republic of Indonesia, in Abuja.

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