Tinubu departs for China, to make brief stop at UAE

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he begins his official trip to Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on Thursday, according to the Presidency.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in China, the President will meet with President Xi Jinping and will hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

While in Beijing, President Tinubu, who will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, will sign memorandums of understanding and lead an African presentation at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

The President’s agenda includes visits to major corporations, such as Huawei Technologies and the China Railway and Construction Corporation (CRCC).

The engagement with CRCC is aimed at expediting the completion of the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the Lagos to Kano high-speed rail line, which reflects Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic growth.

President Tinubu is also expected to meet with 10 chief executives from major Chinese corporations, which collectively manage over $3 trillion in assets.

The discussions, according to the Presidential spokesman during a briefing on Monday, will focus on sectors such as ICT, oil and gas, and satellite technology.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip.