Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to agreements with China, strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. This was stated as President Bola Tinubu hosted the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi in the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu, who was joined by Senior Government Officials including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Mr Joseph Tegbe, emphasised that the relationship between both countries was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership with the aim of building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future and mutual prosperity.
The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership emphasised that “Nigeria’s partnership with China is a strategic one, aimed at driving economic growth and development.
According to the Czar, one of Nigeria’s primary goals is to address the trade imbalance between Nigeria and China, ensuring the trade partnership transforms into development partnership with Nigeria becoming a net-exporter to China by 2030.
The Director-General pointed out that China has been a reliable partner and Nigeria looks forward to deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
He added that under the partnership, China would transition from being a mere trade partner to a development partner in the industrialisation of Nigeria.
According to him, “It is worth noting that industrialising Nigeria means industrialising 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous continent of Africa.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Nigeria’s role as a major African power with global influence and its contributions to the global South. “Nigeria is a major African country with global influence. It is an important member of the global South. As we work for Africa’s peace and development, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable and important role,” he noted.
Wang also emphasised China’s tradition of prioritising Africa in its foreign policy, expressing hope that continued collaboration will bring tangible benefits to both nations.
Wang further stated, “China has all along viewed and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, hoping to further our solidarity and cooperation. We will continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests, and as we both pursue development and vitalisation, continue to pursue cooperation for mutual benefit.”
The Chinese minister’s statements underscore the significance of the China-Nigeria partnership, which has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership
Michael Olugbode
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