By Michael Onjewu, Abuja:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received letter of credence from the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, His Excellency, Yu Dunhai.
President Tinubu in his remarks, said the cordial relations enjoyed between Nigeria and China over many years should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens, particularly in key areas of education, health and infrastructure.
The president appreciated the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing and participating in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.
“I enjoyed my visit to China, and I particularly look forward to the activation of all the agreements we signed especially on trade and economic progress for both countries.
The President said Nigeria will continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development.
The Chinese Ambassador thanked the President for honouring the invitation to visit in September.
“Your visit was a great success and your presence resonated very well. It was a milestone in our bilateral relations. It was important for both countries to agree to elevate our bilateral relations. We will continue to explore development paths to suit Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have enjoyed more than half a century of relations. We have respect for each other and treat each other with equity, and our relations have grown from strength to strength, particularly in economics and trade,’’ the Chinese ambassador said.
Yu said he had already started some programmes with some states on improving yields for rice and yams, a mobile medical outreach to the less privileged, and educational exchange programmes that will enhance vocational and technical skills in the country.
“Mr President, you are a reformer, and our people respect reformers. Like you said in your Independence Day speech, Nigerians are tenacious and resilient,” he added.
