Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing relationship during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria received Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Xiaodong at the State House on Thursday, marking a significant step in reinforcing the five-decade-old partnership between the two nations.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria received Chinese Minister in a colourful diplomatic engagement that underscored the commitment of both nations to “strengthen their long-standing relationship, which has spanned over five decades.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of nurturing this enduring partnership, stating, “A relationship that has lasted over 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted.”
“For us, it is a new beginning with you,” President Tinubu told the Chinese delegation at the State House.
“A relationship that has lasted over 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted. Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important.
“I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs.’’
He expressed appreciation for China’s attention to Africa’s developmental needs and welcomed Chinese support for Nigeria’s aspirations to play a more prominent role in global forums such as the G20, UN Security Council, and BRICS.
The Nigerian leader highlighted his country’s position as Africa’s largest economy and its readiness for increased collaboration with China. “We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people,” Tinubu affirmed, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s potential and China’s remarkable transformation, particularly citing Shanghai’s development as an example.
President Tinubu also stressed the critical need for infrastructure development in Nigeria and across Africa. He called for technology transfer and skill development programs, noting the country’s vibrant and educated youth population eager to learn.
In response, Vice Minister Chen Xiaodong conveyed an invitation from President Xi Jinping for a state visit to China. He commended President Tinubu’s strategic vision and leadership role in ECOWAS and Africa, suggesting that the upcoming meeting between the two leaders would “open up more discussions and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa.”
““You are an important leader and a strategist in Africa. We believe that your meeting with President Jinping will open up more discussions and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa,’’ the Chinese Envoy said.
This high-level meeting reaffirms the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and China, pointing towards enhanced cooperation in various sectors including technology, infrastructure, and economic development.
