The United States and Nigeria have commenced a high-level bilateral working group meeting in Washington, D.C., as both countries seek to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, security and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

The meeting, which began on Wednesday, brought together senior officials from both countries to review ongoing counterterrorism efforts, assess progress made and chart the way forward for stronger bilateral security cooperation.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, while the US team was headed by Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State.

Also participating in the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The discussions focused on counterterrorism measures, areas of progress and the next steps required to enhance cooperation in tackling terrorism and other security challenges.

A bilateral defence meeting between the two countries is scheduled to take place on Thursday as part of efforts to further strengthen their security partnership.

The US-Nigeria working group was established following the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by US President Donald Trump, providing a platform for both sides to engage on issues relating to security, religious freedom and human rights.

The Inaugural meeting of the working group was held in Abuja in January.

Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding religious freedom and working together to promote and protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians.

The Washington meeting is expected to further consolidate bilateral efforts to address shared security concerns while strengthening the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United States.

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