Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to implementing agreements reached with China during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit in September 2024.
The historic visit, a landmark moment in Nigeria-China relations, culminated in the signing of four significant Memorandums of Understanding, which are currently at various stages of implementation.
Tuggar spoke during a courtesy call on him by his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister emphasized that the agreements had laid the groundwork for bolstering cooperation in vital sectors, including trade, investment, and infrastructure.
He noted that the MoUs have officially elevated the relationship between Nigeria and China from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said: “You will recall that His Excellency President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China in September 2024 and was received by his Chinese counterpart during which four MOUs were signed.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the terms of the MOUs which are currently at various stages of implementation.
“Importantly, we formalize the upgrading of our relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Tuggar praised the high-level engagements between Nigerian and Chinese officials, highlighting their crucial role in fortifying bilateral ties and driving progress toward shared goals of peace, prosperity, and development.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the “One China Principle” and expressed Nigeria’s dedication to maintaining robust diplomatic and economic ties with China.
He added: “More so, our cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
“As we explore new avenues for collaboration, I wish to acknowledge China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership.
“Nigeria, too, is undergoing significant transformations driven by our vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and egalitarian nation.”
For his part, the Chinese minister, lauded Nigeria’s significant influence as a major African power on the global stage and its valuable contributions to the global South.
He commended the progress made under the guidance of both nations’ presidents, notably the upgrade of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening solidarity with Nigeria and fulfilling the commitments made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
He emphasized China’s long-standing tradition of prioritizing Africa in its foreign policy, expressing optimism that sustained cooperation will yield tangible benefits for both nations, in line with the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027).
He said: “Nigeria is a major African country with global influence. It is an important member of the global South.
As we work for Africa’s peace and development, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable and important role.
“China has all along viewed and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, hoping to further our solidarity and cooperation.
“We will continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests, and as we both pursue development and vitalisation, continue to pursue cooperation for mutual benefit.
“Under the guidance of our two presidents, we have achieved abundant fruits in our cooperation across the board, delivering real benefits to our two peoples.”
Persecondnews reported on Tuesday that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was expected to arrive in Abuja on Wednesday for a meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, Amb. Tuggar.
The visit is part of Yi’s week-long tour of four African countries, including Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, and Chad.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, Yi will pay a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he will deliver a special message from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Persecondnews recalls that in June 2024, Amb. Tuggar had embarked on an official working visit to China at the invitation of Minister Yi.
During his visit, Tuggar co-chaired the China-Nigeria Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting on June 19 and delivered a keynote address at the China-Nigeria Business Exchange event, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
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