In a Diplomatic Showcase at Army Headquarters, Abuja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, assured Spanish Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz and South Korean Ambassador Kim Young-Chae of Nigeria’s robust engagement and unwavering partnership in advancing defense relations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, played host to two esteemed ambassadors, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz from Spain and Kim Young-Chae from the Republic of South Korea, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
During the high-level diplomatic meetings, General Lagbaja expressed his deep appreciation for Spain’s significant contributions to global peace and economic development and its role in supporting the Multinational National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad region.
He also acknowledged the critical involvement of Spain in the Joint Task Force in the North East through interventions by the European Union (EU). General Lagbaja emphasized the Nigerian Army’s anticipation of fruitful interactions with the Spanish military, particularly in the realms of technological innovation and advancement.
Furthermore, General Lagbaja took note of Spain’s current presidency of the European Union and seized the opportunity to request the Spanish Ambassador’s assistance in securing international support for the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency within the nation.
In response, the Spanish Ambassador extolled the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding the Nigerian populace and called for continued support from all quarters. He reaffirmed Spain’s dedication to supporting the Nigerian Army and engaging in bilateral defense cooperation.
In a parallel interaction with the Republic of South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Young-Chae, General Lagbaja lauded the robust and cordial relations between the Nigerian Army and the Korean defense forces.
He underscored South Korea’s positive impact on Nigerian Army operations against terrorists and insurgents, expressing optimism for the sustainability of this partnership in the defense and security sector.
The South Korean Ambassador, Kim Young-Chae, expressed admiration for Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa and commended the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Federal Government in maintaining unity amid cultural diversity.
He emphasized South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its defense cooperation with the Nigerian Army.
In summary, the diplomatic meetings underscored Nigeria’s determination to bolster its defense and security partnerships with Spain and South Korea, promoting peace, technological advancement, and a united front against terrorism and insurgency.
By Onyema Nwachukwu, Brigadier General
Director, Army Public Relations
October 31, 2023
