• Tuggar urges Chinese delegation to work with Nigeria to elevate relations to new heights

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the agreements signed with the People’s Republic of China during the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September 2024.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the pledge in Abuja during a bilateral meeting with the visiting Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.

Recall that during President Tinubu’s state visit to China, Nigeria and China elevated the bilateral relations between both countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the President participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents on the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation plan, promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, economic development, application of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, peanut exports to China, and news media, among other fields.

Tuggar, while speaking during the visit, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between both countries.

Tuggar also said as both countries meet, he was reminded of the rich history of Nigeria-China relations built on mutual respect, trust and the shared commitment to advancing peace, stability and prosperity.

The minister further said the cooperation between both countries has yielded fruitful results in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure development and cultural exchange.

Tuggar added that as both countries explore new avenues for collaboration, he acknowledged China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation and global leadership.

He stated that Nigeria, too, is undergoing significant transformations, driven by the nation’s vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful and egalitarian nation.

While looking forward to exploring avenues to deepen the bilateral engagements between both countries, Tuggar listed trade facilitation, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges as areas of interest.

Tuggar assured Wang of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the One China Principle and also assured of Nigeria’s continued support for China at the international stage.

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“The almost intuitive nature of Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship and continuous collaboration with China has been devoid of disputes, bringing about substantial benefits to both countries.

“In addition, Nigeria recognises and appreciates the high-level visits between officials of the two countries that have helped in shaping this existing relationship between both countries.

“You will recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China from the 3rd to the 4th September 2024 and was received by his Chinese counterpart during which four MoUs were signed.

“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the terms of the MoUs which are currently at various stages of implementation,” Tuggar said.

Tuggar also recalled that during the visit, both countries formalised the upgrading of the relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

While extending warm welcome to the Chinese Foreign Minister, Tuggar urged the minister and his delegation on the need to work together to elevate Nigeria-China relations to new heights.

In his remarks, Wang said Nigeria is a major African country with global influence and an important member of the global South.

Wang also said as Nigeria worked for Africa’s peace and development, Nigeria is playing an irreplaceable and important role.

He added that China has all along built and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, hoping to further consolidate the 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,” Wang said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also said that under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu, both countries have achieved abundant fruits in cooperation across the board, delivering real benefits to the people of both countries.

Wang explained that his visit to Nigeria was to further the tradition of the Chinese Foreign Minister visiting Africa as the first overseas visit of the new year and to also discuss with his African friends how to deliver on the important common understandings reached at the FOCAC Beijing meeting, in particular, the ten partnership actions and to provide new substance to the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries.