By Aidoghie Paulinus
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged to further advance cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The President gave the assurance when he received in audience, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Abuja. The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister was aimed at strengthening the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, conveyed the warm greetings and New Year wishes of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tinubu.
Recalling his state visit to China last year and participation in the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Tinubu said he held a productive meeting with Xi, during which both countries elevated the Nigeria-China relations to new heights.
Tinubu further said the development of Nigeria-China relations is robust and the friendship is unshakable, stressing that Nigeria is committed to its relationship with China and implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit will contribute to Nigeria’s national development.
To facilitate the effort, Tinubu said he has appointed a Director-General for the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, tasked with coordinating and advancing cooperation with China.
Acknowledging China’s significant international influence, Tinubu expressed hope for China’s support in enhancing Nigeria’s role in international and regional affairs.
The president also extended condolences to China regarding the earthquake in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and praised the Chinese government’s swift and efficient disaster response.
Tinubu asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi.
On his part, Wang recalled President Tinubu’s successful state visit to China in September last year, during which the two presidents jointly announced the establishment of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, marking significant progress in bilateral relations.
China and Nigeria, Wang noted, have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, adding that the two countries have trusted and supported one another on issues concerning their core interests.
Wang further said the cooperation, featuring mutual benefit and win-win outcomes along their respective development paths, has placed the relationship at the forefront of China-Africa relations.
Wang said he was glad to see Nigeria playing an important role in regional peace and becoming a stabilizing force in Africa. He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria will achieve even greater development.
He commended Nigeria for adhering to the One-China principle, saying China supports Nigeria’s efforts in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, combating terrorism, maintaining regional peace and stability, and playing a greater role on the international stage.