China commits to strategic partnership with Nigeria
By Kunle Sanni
The Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria during a visit to Abuja, where he met with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar.
Wang stated that his visit aimed to advance the agreements reached at the September 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
Speaking during the meeting, he highlighted the importance of delivering on the ten partnership actions agreed upon at the forum, describing the visit as part of China’s long-standing tradition of prioritizing Africa for its foreign minister’s first trip of the new year.
“My visit this time is to further the tradition of the Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa as the first overseas visit of the new year.
“It is also to discuss with my African friends how to deliver on the important common understandings reached at the FOCAC Beijing meeting, Nigeria, in particular the 10 partnership actions, and to provide new substance to our comprehensive strategic partnership.
“I’m sure that our meeting today will produce new common understandings and that you and your colleagues will continue to work for the growth of our relations.”
The Chinese Foreign Minister, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, praised Nigeria’s active role in Africa and expressed optimism about continued mutual support on issues of core interests.
“Nigeria made important contributions to the success of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and China commended this. In September, President Tinubu visited China for the FOCAC Beijing Summit and paid a state visit. It was a full success,” Wang noted.
He emphasized that the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership marks the beginning of brighter prospects for collaboration between the two nations.
Wang expressed hope that the meeting in Abuja would lay the groundwork for further progress in the partnership, fostering development and mutual benefits for both countries.
