The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai says the upgrade of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will create new opportunities for the provision of more infrastructural facilities in Nigeria.
He made the disclosure while speaking at a reception to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Transacorp Hilton in Abuja on Friday.
Ambassador Yu said the signing of over ten cooperation documents between both countries at the summit will enhance synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative, FOCAC cooperation, and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, paving the way for more impactful results.
“Going forward, we aim to jointly build more roads, railways, airports, power grids, and base stations, extending their benefits to your beloved communities and hometowns,” Yu said. He further emphasized plans for blue and green projects that will focus on sustainable development, promising a brighter future for Nigerians.
The envoy noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, both nations have seen strengthened high-level engagements, enhanced political trust, and deepened people-to-people exchanges, resulting in productive cooperation across various sectors.
He emphasized Nigeria’s significance as China’s largest project contracting market, the second-largest export market, the third-largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive $22.5 billion in 2023.
“Our practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results in areas such as infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture and green economy, covering projects for aviation, on the land and in the sea. The projects have brought tangible benefits to both Chinese and Nigerian people, and provided concrete support for Nigeria’s social and economic development,” Ambassador Yu stated.
COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND SIGNING OF COOPERATION DOCUMENTS
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Nigerian counterpart Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2024, announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
The discussions took place during Tinubu’s state visit to China, coinciding with the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing between 4-6 September 2024.
During the meeting, President Xi emphasized the long-standing mutual respect and cooperation between China and Nigeria, which have flourished since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 50 years ago. He acknowledged Nigeria’s significant population and development potential, emphasizing the importance of joint self-improvement and win-win cooperation.
Both leaders committed to enhancing strategic mutual trust, agreeing to support each other on core interests and major concerns. They focused on strengthening the alignment of development strategies, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and minerals, while also exploring new growth opportunities in the digital economy and renewable energy sectors.
Cultural exchanges were highlighted as essential for fostering mutual understanding between the two nations. President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability, emphasizing the need for multilateral coordination.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for China’s training opportunities for Nigerian youth and reiterated his desire to deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The leaders also witnessed the signing of over ten cooperation documents covering a wide range of sectors including cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, nuclear energy, human resource development, and media exchange and cooperation.
