The Foreign Minister of the People of China, Wang Yi, has praised Nigeria’s role in Africa’s peace and development, describing the country as “a major African country with global influence” and “an important member of the global South”.
He stated this on Thursday while meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Abuja.
The meeting is part of his traditional first overseas visit of the new year, aiming to discuss the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing meeting’s common understandings, particularly the 10 partnership actions.
Yi also stressed the importance of Nigeria-China relations, stating that China has always viewed and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.
He expressed China’s commitment to furthering solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in pursuing development and vitalization.
The Chinese Foreign Minister further pointed out the achievements of Nigeria-China cooperation, citing the success of the Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Beijing and President Tinubu’s visit to China for the FOCAC Beijing Summit.
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He noted that Nigeria made significant contributions to the success of the summit and that China commended these efforts.
In response, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relationship with China.
Tuggar also noted that Nigeria and China have a rich history of mutual respect and cooperation, which has yielded fruitful results in various fields, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
“We recognize and appreciate the high-level visits between our officials, which have helped shape and strengthen our relationship.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the MOUs signed during President Bola Ahmad Dinu’s state visit to China in September 2024, which are currently at various stages of implementation.”
Tuggar also acknowledged China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership. He expressed Nigeria’s desire to learn from China’s experiences and to deepen bilateral engagement in areas such as trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
The minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the One China Principle and assured China of Nigeria’s continued support at the international stage.
He noted that the almost intuitive nature of Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with China has been devoid of disputes, bringing substantial benefits to both countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on a visit to Nigeria, echoed Tuggar’s sentiments, saying that China values its relationship with Nigeria and is committed to deepening cooperation in various areas.
The two countries have agreed to formalize the upgrading of their relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
This move is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Wang Yi’s visit to Nigeria is part of his traditional first overseas visit of the new year, aiming to discuss the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing meeting’s common understandings, particularly the 10 partnership actions.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would produce new common understandings and strengthen Nigeria-China relations.
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