Chinese President Xi Jinping says China is ready to assist Nigeria and Africa in achieving industrialization and agricultural modernization.
He made the disclosure when he received Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held in Beijing, China, between 17-18 October 2023.
President Xi said the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa has shown “great vitality and a large number of landmark projects have been completed.”
The Chinese leader observed that the initiative has equally yielded tangible outcomes between China and Nigeria, especially in railways, ports, power stations, and communications backbone and the development of free trade zones.
“China is ready to continue working with Nigeria to push for more tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation and help Nigeria and Africa realize industrialization and agricultural modernization,” Xi said.
He stressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria more than half a century ago, the two countries have always adhered to the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit.
“Facing a world fraught with changes and turbulence, China and Nigeria need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever.
“China supports Nigeria in pursuing a path to modernization suited to its national conditions and stands ready to enhance personnel exchanges at all levels with Nigeria to advance high-quality practical cooperation.
“China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and would like to strengthen strategic coordination with Nigeria to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries,” the Chinese leader added.
On his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima congratulated China on successfully hosting the third BRF. He noted that Nigeria and China are good friends who have shared weal and woe and supported each other in times of difficulties.
“China has always treated Nigeria and other African countries with respect and as equals; it has never bossed them around and has done its best to support the African people in seeking independence and development,” Shettima said.
Shettima thanked China for proposing a series of important global cooperation initiatives for developing countries, providing valuable assistance for Nigeria’s development, and boosting the industrialization process of Nigeria and Africa at large.
He stressed that Nigeria attaches great importance to growing relations with China, unswervingly pursues the one-China policy and remains firmly committed to the high-level development of Nigeria-China relations.
“Nigeria is ready to further deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China and lift Nigeria-China relations to a new level,” Shettima added.
