- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of agreements reached with China during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit in September 2024.
This was made known by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, when he hosted his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Abuja on Thursday.
Recalling President Bola Tinubu’s last year’s visit to China where four Memoranda of Understanding were signed, Tuggar highlighted the agreements as a foundation for enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and infrastructure.
He noted that these MoUs have formalised the upgrade of the relationship between Nigeria and China from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a move aimed at fostering closer collaboration and delivering tangible benefits to both nations.
“You will recall that His Excellency President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China in 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.
“Importantly, we formalise the upgrading of our relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” the minister said.
He expressed confidence in the ongoing implementation of the agreements, which are expected to unlock new opportunities for trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
“More so, our cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
“As we explore new avenues for collaboration, I wish to acknowledge China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership.
“Nigeria, too, is undergoing significant transformations driven by our vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and egalitarian nation,” Tuggar added.
On his part, the Chinese Minister, Wang Yi, lauded Nigeria’s role as a major African power with global influence and its contributions to the global South.
He also commended the progress achieved under the guidance of both nations’ presidents, including the elevation of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
According to report, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated China’s commitment to fostering solidarity with Nigeria and delivering on the agreements reached at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
Wang also stressed on China’s tradition of prioritizing Africa in its foreign policy, expressing hope that the continued collaboration will bring tangible benefits to both nations.
“Nigeria is a major African country with global influence. It is an important member of the global South. As we work for Africa’s peace and development, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable and important role.
“China has all along viewed and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, hoping to further our solidarity and 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.
“Under the guidance of our two presidents, we have achieved abundant fruits in our cooperation across the board, delivering real benefits to our two peoples,” he said.