By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China and Nigeria have set an example of Global South solidarity and cooperation.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks during a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Noting that China-Nigeria relations have transcended the bilateral scope, Wang called for the two countries to work together in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
He noted that relations between China and Nigeria achieved a new milestone when the two countries elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last September.
“China and Nigeria have always respected each other and treated each other as equals,” Wang added.
Both countries understand and support each other on core issues of interest, and have achieved mutual benefit and win-win cooperation on the path to development and revitalization, Wang said, adding that the relationship stands at the forefront of China-Africa relations.
Earlier in the day, Wang held discussions with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlighting Nigeria’s role as a major African country with global influence.
Wang noted that both countries will continue to understand and support each other on issues of mutual interest and benefit.
“Under the guidance of our two Presidents, we have achieved substantial progress in our cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to our people,” he said.
Wang Yi explained that his visit to Nigeria aims to continue the tradition of the Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa as the first overseas trip of the new year.
“It is also an opportunity to discuss with my African counterparts how to implement the important common understandings reached at the FOCAC Beijing meeting, particularly the ten partnership actions, and to add new substance to our comprehensive strategic partnership,” the Chinese diplomat noted.
In his remarks, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China has produced significant results across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
Minister Tuggar acknowledged China’s impressive progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership. He noted that Nigeria is also undergoing a transformative phase, driven by its vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and egalitarian nation.
He expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to explore further opportunities for deepening bilateral engagement with China, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
Tuggar reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to implementing the four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with China during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September 2024.
“I am confident that our discussions will yield meaningful outcomes and foster a brighter future for our nation and our people. Let us work together to elevate Nigeria-China relations to new heights,” Tuggar said.
Wang Yi’s tour of Africa began on January 5, 2025, and included stops in Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, and Chad before concluding in Nigeria.
