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FG reaffirms Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, was on Monday received in audience by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The Chinese envoy disclosed the development in a post on his X handle.
“Today, I met His Excellency, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria @NigeriaMFA,” Yu said.
Yu further said that over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Nigeria have always treated each other with mutual respect, as equals and for mutual benefit.
He also said that, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the China–Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has entered a new stage of high-quality development.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, make full use of China’s zero-tariff policy for Nigeria, expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and BRICS, and jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South,” Yu also said.
Disclosing the details of the meeting in a statement issued in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said that during the audience, the Chinese Ambassador congratulated the Minister of State on his well-deserved appointment and expressed optimism about working closely with him during his tour of duty.
Ebienfa also said the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the excellent state of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, anchored on mutual respect, equality and a shared commitment to development.
“Discussions focused on strengthening the Nigeria–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, infrastructure development, industrialisation, energy, agriculture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
“The Honourable Minister of State reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy and expressed appreciation for China’s continued partnership in support of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“He further highlighted the positive impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports and the opportunities it presents for expanding Nigerian products in the Chinese market, enhancing value addition, and creating jobs for Nigerian citizens,” Ebienfa said.
Speaking earlier, Yu conveyed the warm greetings of the Government and people of China and underscored China’s readiness to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria across priority sectors.
“He stated that following the introduction of the Zero Tariff Policy, the volume of exports from Nigeria to China has increased by over 88 percent.
“He also used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the World Artificial Intelligence Organization and called on Nigeria to work towards becoming a founding member of the global body,” Ebienfa stated.
In his response, Enikanolaiye promised to raise the issue with the relevant government agencies for necessary advice.
“Both sides agreed on the need to sustain high-level political consultations, expand mutually beneficial economic engagement, and explore new avenues of collaboration in science and technology, the digital economy, and regional peace and security.
“The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflective of the time-honoured friendship between Nigeria and China, which this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s national interests through strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for the Nigerian people,” Ebienfa added.
