Abuja (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China is willing to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and advance 10 ten partnership action plans in Nigeria, paving the way for new progress in bilateral ties.
Nigeria, as a major African nation with international influence and an important member of the Global South, plays an irreplaceable role in Africa’s pursuit of peace and development, Wang stated during his meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
He said that China has always viewed the development of its ties with Nigeria from a strategic and long-term perspective and is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria, provide common understanding and support on matters concerning their core interests, and achieve shared benefit and win-win results during their development and revitalization processes.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu successfully visited China in 2024, during which the two heads of state elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening new and broader prospects for bilateral cooperation, Wang said.
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Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, all-around collaboration between China and Nigeria has yielded remarkable outcomes, bringing tangible benefits to their people, he added.
Beijing is ready to align Belt and Road cooperation and the 10 partnership action plans with the priority sectors of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda by utilizing traditional advantages in infrastructure cooperation, strengthening trade and financial collaboration, and creating new highlights in investment collaboration to further deepen practical relations between the two nations, Wang said.
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He called on Nigeria to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in the country.
China appreciates Nigeria’s support for its three major international initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative, Wang said, adding that China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in global and regional affairs, uniting regional nations, and maintaining regional stability.
China-Nigeria Historical Ties
For his part, Tuggar said Nigeria and China have deep historical relations, rooted in mutual respect and trust, which have produced substantial results.
Nigeria and China share no differences and strengthening their collaboration conforms to their shared interests, he said.
Nigeria admires China’s remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation, praises its international influence, and is committed to fostering friendship and cooperation with China to create a brighter future for their people, Tuggar said.
