Nigeria, Saudi Arabia to Co-operate on Tackling Terrorism
Adetokunbo Fakeye
President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Wednesday said since Nigeria and Saudi Arabia shared similar challenges, especially terrorism and economic problems, there should be co-operation between the two countries at the highest levels.
Saraki, according to a release from his media office stated this when he received the Advisory Council of the Saudi Arabia Royal Kingdom led Prince Khalid Abdullahi Al Saud in his office.
He said both countries should exchange ideas, intelligence and technical expertise directed at solving the identified problems.
His word: “We are both at this moment, going through the unfortunate issue of terrorism as it is affecting us. I believe that it is time we must work very closely together. We can do more with collaboration. I believe in what we are doing now. We need to work together to fight terrorists that have besieged our countries. It is my view that terrorism in one part of the world is terrorism in every part of the world.”
On the peace mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Syria, Palestine and other parts of the world, Senator Saraki commended the efforts made so far.
He however reminded his guests of the Nigeria’s quest for support and commitment to end insurgency and other social vices militating against the peace and progress of the country.
He said: “I believe in the concern the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is showing toward what is happening in Syria and Yemen. This should also be extended to what is happening in North Eastern part of Nigeria”.
According to the Senate President, the visit by the Saudi Advisory Council was timely considering the loss suffered by Nigeria during the last Hajj exercise.
“The timing of your visit could not have been more appropriate and also very useful. It shows the great concern and respect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for the people and government of Nigeria”, he said.
He further urged the Government of Saudi Arabia to improve on the traveling procedures between the two countries, particularly for those who embark on holy pilgrimage for the lesser hajj and the Hajj. He said Nigeria should be able to fly directly to Saudi Arabia without unnecessary impediments.
Senator Saraki assured the Saudi Arabian delegation of the continued support of the National Assembly especially the Senate in strengthening the bond that exists between the two countries.
He said, “You can be rest assured of the support of those of us in the parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly to continue to work with you in seeking for global peace and harmony”.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Khalid Abdullahi Al Saud, said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regretted the loss of lives recorded during the last Hajj exercise and the recent bomb blasts in some parts of the country.
Dr. Al Saud condemned in strong terms the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents and observed that both countries are faced with a similar challenge of terrorism while also pledging the readiness of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom to collaborate with Nigeria in curbing the menace of insurgency.
He promised that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would work relentlessly to avoid any future occurrence of such an ugly incident that claimed hundreds of lives in this year’s pilgrimage exercise in the Holy land.
Dr. Al Saud commended the role Nigeria is playing at the continental level while assuring the Nigerian government of unrelenting commitment of the Kingdom towards a greater Nigeria.
