FG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Nigeria-China Relationship

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Nigeria-China Relationship

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China bilateral relationship, following a recent visit by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiao Doing, to Nigeria. 

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, welcomed the Chinese Vice Minister and emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries. 

“This visit is reaffirming and consolidating some of the gains of recent activities between Nigeria and China.

“We are committed to further deepening our relations and strengthening our partnership in various fields,” Tuggar said.

The two countries have agreed to continue to promote free trade, remove trade barriers, and protect each other’s interests. According to the Minister, Nigeria’s large economy and population make it an important partner for China, while China’s growing economy and influence make it a key player in Africa.

“It would be recalled that not long ago, myself and some of the Directors here visited China for our engagements, and, of course, we have the upcoming Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing,”

“The visit also touched on the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, which will be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he noted.

The Minister further noted that Nigeria continues to maintain its commitment to a one China Policy and also happy to see China’s continued commitment to the unity of the ECOWAS region and ultimately the creation of the African continental free trade area which is well on its way.

“The partnership between Nigeria and China is one that is very important because Nigeria is the largest country on the continent in terms of GDP, in terms of population, and Nigeria remains an entry point into Africa and African Market and of course China is the most populous country in the world.

“It is a world leader, and the two are committed to free trade, to the removal of any trade barriers, to the removal of any protectionist measures, and will continue to do so because we are both trading nations. 

“Nigeria itself was created out of two great African rivers, so the very definition and expression of Nigeria’s nationhood is tied to economic activities. It is tied to trade, and it is tied to the diversity that exists in Nigeria and Africa,” Tuggar stated.

Responding, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiao Doing, conveyed the greetings of his country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, to Ambassador Tuggar. 

He emphasized the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and China and expressed China’s commitment to working with Nigeria to take their bilateral cooperation to new heights.

“Nigeria is a major country in Africa and one of China’s key strategic partners in Africa.

“We attach great importance to growing relations with Nigeria and are ready to work with Nigeria to take FOCAC and other areas of cooperation as an opportunity to work towards new progress in our bilateral cooperation,” Doing stated.

FOCAC is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in Africa with the exception of the Kingdom of Eswatini. It is the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China and since 2018 is viewed by the countries as a cooperation platform within the Belt and Road Initiative.