Nigeria and China have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive developmental partnership” during talks in Beijing between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The leaders met in the Chinese capital to discuss strengthening ties between the two nations, with a focus on development, stability, and security in West Africa.
President Tinubu described the meeting as “a significant milestone”, highlighting the importance of the new partnership for both countries.
The talks resulted in the signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), covering areas such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the peaceful application of nuclear energy.
As part of the enhanced relationship, the two countries have agreed to establish a high-level committee. This body will be tasked with promoting development, stability, and security across the West African sub-region.
“Today’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing marks a significant milestone in elevating the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China to a comprehensive developmental partnership,” he said.
“This marks a crucial step for our two nations. During the meeting, we agreed to establish a high-level community to foster robust development, stability, and security across the West African sub-region.
“The signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), including those concerning the Belt and Road Initiative and the peaceful application of nuclear energy, further underscored the strengthening of our cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global infrastructure development strategy, has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy and economic strategy. Nigeria’s formal participation in this project could potentially lead to increased Chinese investment in the country’s infrastructure.
The MOU on peaceful nuclear energy applications suggests Nigeria may be exploring new avenues for addressing its ongoing energy challenges.
This meeting comes as China continues to expand its influence in Africa, offering infrastructure development and economic cooperation to many countries on the continent.
“This marks a crucial step for our two nations,” President Tinubu said, emphasising the potential impact of the strengthened partnership.
The outcomes of this high-level meeting are likely to shape Nigeria-China relations for years to come, with potential ripple effects across West Africa.
