Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has described President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China as a resounding success, marked by significant milestones that have elevated Nigeria-China relations to new heights.
Dunhai said the visit enabled upscaling of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the signing of 13 landmark Memoranda of Understanding(MoUs).
According to him, the signed MoUs spanned a wide range of sectors, including energy, security, human capital development and media cooperation.
Dunhai made the statement during a seminar titled “Taking New Opportunities for China – Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reform in the New Era” held at the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Persecondnews recalls that President Tinubu during his visit to China had a meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping at the iconic Great Hall of the People.
He also engaged in bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to strengthen Nigeria-China relations.
Tinubu participated in the prestigious Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, addressing the opening ceremony as a key representative of Africa.
The ambassador said the two countries have taken their relationship to the next level by upgrading their 2005 comprehensive partnership to a Strategic Partnership, paving the way for a stronger alliance that will see both nations unite and advocate for shared interests on the international stage.
The partnership between the two countries will yield enhanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation, driving prosperity and development in both nations.
The strategic partnership will prioritize four pivotal areas of cooperation: economic cooperation, infrastructure development, agricultural growth, and power sector advancement.
The total trade exchange between Nigeria and China amounts to $22 billion.
He said: “The legacy of colonialism connects China and Nigeria, forging a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.
“China’s modernization efforts align closely with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in key priority areas.
“His visionary policies and strategic direction offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth that we can learn from and benefit greatly.
“Nigeria can draw valuable lessons from China’s remarkable poverty reduction achievements, where over 800 million people were lifted out of poverty in just 70 years.
“We have a shared understanding that historical injustices, particularly those stemming from colonization, must be acknowledged and rectified, with developed nations taking greater responsibility for their role in perpetuating global disparities.
“We advocates for Africa to have a stronger presence and voice in the United Nations and other international institutions, promoting equitable representation and decision-making.
“This aligns with the principle that international affairs should not be dictated by a select few countries, but rather each member of the global community should have a say in shaping the future.”
Delivering his speech, Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, noted that China has bolstered Nigeria’s economy in several key ways.
Ibrahim said: “Their billion-dollar investment in the Lekki Deep Sea Port aims to streamline trade exports and imports not just for Nigeria, but for all of Africa.
“Constructing the port has created millions of local jobs, boosted Nigeria’s overseas trade patterns, and secured a stable stream of revenue for the country.
“The massive equipments used at the port has become a platform for knowledge exchange and skills transfer.
“China is empowering Nigeria to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the modern world by equipping its workforce with these valuable hard skills.”
Ibrahim said China is a partner any country that wants to develop will definitely wish for.
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