Chinese leader President Xi Jinping has invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pay a state visit to China in September.
China’s vice minister of foreign affairs, Chen Xiaodong, delivered the invitation to President Tinubu at the Aso Villa on Thursday.
Chen said President Xi would also welcome First Lady Remi Tinubu during the visit.
President Tinubu accepted the invitation and hoped that it would strengthen Nigeria-China bilateral relations and the proposed currency swap agreement.
“For us, it is a new beginning with you. A relationship that has lasted over 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted. Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important. I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs,’’ President Tinubu told the Chinese delegation at the State House.
The President welcomed the support of China for a more prominent position for Nigeria in the G20, UN Security Council, and the intergovernmental organization of developing economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).
“We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people. Over the years, China has gone through phases of transformation and development. I once visited Shanghai when it was a village, and to see the rapid transformation, the technological development, is worth more collaborative efforts,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu commended President Xi Jinping for consistently strengthening relations with Nigeria and Africa.
“We believe in our bilateral relations, and we want to strengthen that. I am glad you mentioned United Nations, BRICS, and the G20. This is the largest economy in Africa.
“To classify us as a backwater economy, no matter how hungry we are, we will manage our hunger. We will be friends and partners with those who respect our values, and China is one of them.
“I commend what President Xi Jinping is doing in Africa, helping with capital mobilization for projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our people in Africa.
“The infrastructure need of Africa is monumental, particularly that of Nigeria. You have good technology that you can transfer. You have a good opportunity to make an indelible mark on Nigeria. We have a very vibrant youth population, well-educated, and ready to learn. Skill development programme and transfer of knowledge is extremely important,’’ President Tinubu added.
