China has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria’s growing influence on the regional and global stage. In a meeting on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting the strategic and long-term perspective both nations hold towards their bilateral relations.
During discussions with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role as a major African country with global influence and as an important member of the Global South. He noted Nigeria’s irreplaceable contribution to Africa’s pursuit of peace and development.
“China has always viewed the development of China-Nigerian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Wang stated. “We are willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria.”
Wang Yi recalled Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful visit to China last year, which resulted in elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. “Under the strategic guidance of our two heads of state, cooperation between China and Nigeria has achieved remarkable results, bringing tangible benefits to our people,” he added.
He urged both countries to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and to achieve mutual benefit in their development and revitalization processes. Wang emphasized China’s readiness to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and advance the ten partnership action plans in Nigeria.
Highlighting the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to deepen practical ties through infrastructure development, expanding trade and financial collaboration, and creating new highlights in investment cooperation. He also called on Nigeria to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in the country.
Wang appreciated Nigeria’s support for China’s three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. He reiterated China’s unwavering support for Africa in advocating for climate justice at the United Nations Climate Change Conference and expressed readiness to strengthen coordination with Nigeria and other African countries on climate change issues to protect the development interests of the Global South.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar affirmed the deep historical ties between Nigeria and China, rooted in mutual respect and trust, which have produced substantial achievements. “Nigeria and China have no differences, and strengthening our cooperation aligns with our mutual interests,” he noted.
Tuggar expressed admiration for China’s remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation, praising its global influence. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation to create a brighter future for their people.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering adherence to the one-China principle and pledged continued support for China’s stance on the international stage, emphasizing that “it is the right thing to do.”
Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and advancing China-Nigeria relations to a higher level. He also expressed condolences over the earthquake in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and commended the Chinese government’s swift and effective disaster relief efforts.
The meeting between the two foreign ministers underscores the strengthening ties between China and Nigeria, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and mutual support on regional and global issues.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China supports Nigeria's bigger role in region, world
cgtn.com
