Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi has stated that his visit to Nigeria is to strengthen relations between the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria, the African continent and to promote the understanding reached at the September 2024 Forum On China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC).
Wang Yi made this declaration on Thursday, January 9, during a meeting with Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja.
Wang Yi emphasised the significance of his visit and expressed optimism that the meeting would produce new mutual understandings between both countries, particularly in executing the 10 partnership actions reached at the FOCAC Beijing summit.
”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”, he stated and continued.
”Nigeria is a major African country with global influence. It is an important member of the global South. As we work for Africa’s peace and development, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable and important role”, he stated.
While responding, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reassured Wang Yi of Nigeria’s determination to adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with China in the 2024 FOCAC summit in Beijing. He further reiterated Nigeria’s continued support for China, including the One China Principle and highlighted the fruitful results of their cooperation in various fields, including trade, cultural exchange and infrastructure development.
The Minister stated thus; ”You have mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing peace, stability and prosperity. Moreso, our cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development and cultural exchange. As we explore new avenues for collaboration, I wish to acknowledge China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation and global leadership”.
This meeting underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China with both countries committed to deepen their bilateral engagement and explore new opportunities for future collaboration.
