- Safiu Kehinde
Sequel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China, the Asian country has strengthened diplomatic ties with Nigeria as both countries signed five Memorandum of Understanding Agreements.
This is contained in a statement signed by the by Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
According to the statement, Tinubu met with Chinese President, Xi Jinping, as both leaders agreed to build a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.
In his address at the meeting which precedes the 2024 Summit o the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Tinubu stressed the need for further strengthening of China-Nigeria bi-lateral relationship.
”This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high-level of honour accorded to us.
”Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes.
”Nigeria holds great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and is the biggest economy with a very young population that can drive economic growth and cross-sectoral programmes.
”We have upgraded the relationship to more than what is just strategic — but a comprehensive developmental partnership.
”This comprehensive strategic partnership should result in robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region. This is very crucial,” President Tinubu said.
In the same vein, Xi Jinping harped on the age long relationship between China and Nigeria.
He stressed that the relationship between both countries will bring fresh perspective to the relationship between China and other African countries.
“We have found the path of seeking collective strength, through unity, and win-win cooperation.
‘’China and Nigeria, as major developing countries, strengthening strategic coordination, will inject fresh impetus to China-Africa relations in the new era and spearhead common progress among Global South countries,’’ President Xi said.
Meanwhile, the nexus of the visit was met as Nigeria and China signed five new Memorandum of Understanding on agreements across various areas of mutual interests.
As contained in the statement, the agreements include; “Cooperation plan between Nigeria and China on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative
“Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Energy
“Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation on Human Resource Development under the Global Development Initiative
“Memorandum of Understanding on Media Exchange and Cooperation
“Memorandum of Understanding between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority”.