Beijing, China—In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar on Friday in Beijing. The two officials engaged in high-level talks and co-chaired the first Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the importance of Nigeria as a major African nation with extensive influence. “The sound development of China-Nigeria relations serves as an example and a guide for China-Africa relations,” Wang stated.
He expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria as “a good brother who supports each other, a good partner for mutual benefit, a good friend who upholds fairness and justice, and a good partner who upholds peace and stability.” Wang highlighted the shared goal of achieving development and revitalization, aiming to elevate China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations to new heights.
Foreign Minister Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the one-China principle and expressed a strong desire to strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen strategic communication with China. “Nigeria is willing to join hands with China to unite countries of the Global South, uphold multilateralism, and safeguard fairness and justice,” Tuggar remarked.
The discussions also addressed broader China-Africa cooperation. Both sides agreed to work collaboratively towards fruitful outcomes at the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled to be held in China this fall.
During the first plenary session of the Inter-governmental Committee, Wang Yi noted the committee’s pioneering role in promoting practical cooperation since its establishment over three years ago. “China and Nigeria, both major developing countries, should continue to build consensus and promote cooperation, injecting new impetus into the development of China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations,” he said.
He called for adherence to the strategic positioning of bilateral relations, urging both countries to regard each other as important strategic partners. Wang emphasized the need to “carry forward the exemplary role of economic and trade cooperation” and achieve coordinated development across various fields to benefit the common people.
Tuggar praised the outcomes of the plenary session and expressed willingness to deepen mutual trust and pursue more comprehensive cooperation with China. “We look forward to pushing for more outcomes in cooperation in various fields,” he added.
Following the session, the two nations issued a joint statement underscoring their commitment to strengthening ties and expanding cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
