Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb.Yusuf Tuggar, has emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships like the one between Nigeria and China, especially during times of global uncertainty.
He stressed that such partnerships should not only exist but thrive.
As a seasoned diplomat with a background in international relations, Tuggar brings valuable experience to his role.
He said: “We thank you for the continuing partnership in actualizing our ambition of infrastructure development, increased trade and investment, and building a 21st-century nation in Nigeria.”
Tuggar spoke while receiving His Excellency Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Abuja on Friday.
According to the Ambassador, the visit and engagement between the two nations are crucial, as they provide an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said: “We want to assure you of our commitment to the one China principle and at the same time, we want to thank you and commend you for recognizing Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa, within the fold of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and on the African continent as a whole.
“While we may not match China’s population, we are Africa’s largest country and share China’s commitment to inclusive governance, prioritizing consultation and deliberation in our leadership.”
During the visit, Chunhua expressed gratitude to Tuggar for the warm and gracious welcome they received.
He said President Xi Jinping of China met with President Bola Tinubu in China in September 2024 during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where they jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Chunhua said China stands ready to work with Nigeria to fully implement the consensus reached by the two presidents.
He praised the foreign minister for his long commitment to friendship between the two countries.
He said: “Last June, you visited China and co-chaired the China-Nigeria intergovernmental committee, and last year in September, you also accompanied President Tinubu in visiting China.
“Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a visit to Nigeria in January and had a meeting with you.”
He said China is looking forward to continuing to work with Nigeria to promote friendship and cooperation between the two sides.
Chunhua and Tuggar, along with their entourage, went into a private meeting.
However, the details of their discussion were not disclosed to newsmen.
Persecondnews reported that Tinubu and Jinping met in Beijing, China, in September 2024, where they elevated Nigeria-China ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The meeting saw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on key areas, including a cooperation plan to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative.
The meeting saw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on key areas, including: Belt and Road Initiative: A cooperation plan to jointly promote the initiative; Economic Cooperation: Strengthening trade and investment between Nigeria and China; Strategic Partnership: Enhancing collaboration on regional and global issues.
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