In order to further boost Nigeria-Turkey trade relations, Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the trade volume between the two countries will be increased by $5bn immediately.
Erdogan made the statement at the end of a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Speaking through an interpreter, the president expressed the hope that the relationship between the two nations would further develop on the basis of mutual respect and a win-win situation.
In addition, the Turkish leader expressed the willingness of his country to work with the Nigerian government on tackling security challenges.
“We hope and pray that we will be expanding our trade volume up to $5bn immediately.
“We hope and pray that the relations between the two nations would be further developed on the basis of a win-win situation and on the basis of mutual respect.
“As Turkey, we have been closely monitoring the development in Nigeria in our brotherly and friendly nation.
“The terrorist organizations, the armed gangs and the marine vendors are continuously active in Nigeria and the Nigerian authorities are continuously fighting them.
“In order to cooperate further in the field of military operations, defence and security, we are doing everything that will be available.
“We are ready to share our capabilities, even extending capacities as Turkey with Nigeria especially in the field of defence industry and security which are being praised by the globe.
“The sensitivity we show in fighting terrorism, I hope it will be reciprocated by our Nigerian brothers and sister and our counterparts.
“The perpetrators of the heinous failed coup of July 15, FETO, are still very active in Nigeria. And we are continuously sharing our intelligence with Nigerian interlocutor and authorities.”
While commiserating with Nigeria on the attack in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed several lives, the Turkish leader pledged that his country would further cooperate with Nigeria on counter-terrorism as well as in the fields of military, defence and security.
In his remarks, President Buhari heaped praises on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for opening his country’s borders to accommodate millions of refugees in dire need of humanitarian support.
According to Buhari, the Turkish leader has set an example to the rest of the world on how to treat refugees.
He said: ‘‘I commend Your Excellency for your leadership and generosity in receiving and accommodating 4 million refugees fleeing from conflict areas particularly in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
“You have indeed set an example to the rest of the world.’’
