Wang Yi, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs has said that China would provide a grant of 1 billion yuan in military aid to Africa and assist in training 6 thousand military personnel and 1000 police and law enforcement personnel for African countries.
The Chinese Foreign Minister announced this during an official address to State House correspondents alongside Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tiubu on Thursday, January 9, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Africa in addressing African issues in the African way, opposing foreign interference in internal affairs and promoting peace and security within the African continent.
”China will firmly support Africa in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests, practicing true multilateralism rather than allow power politics and bullyism take root in Africa”, he said.
The Minister further stated that at the United Nations, China will continue to speak for the legitimate voice of African countries.
”At the United Nations Security Council, China’s vote will always go to Africa and we will continue to speak for the legitimate voice of African countries at multilateral arenas”.
”Being the second largest contributor to peacekeeping operations, China will continue to support the United Nations in executing peacekeeping operations in Africa”, Wang declared and continued.
”Through deepening cooperation in different spheres, the Chinese government would work with Africa to remedy insecurity, particularly in the Saheel region and bolster stability through economic development”, he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while hosting Wang Yi, at the Presidential Villa, called for the expansion of the $2 billion currency swap agreement between Nigeria and China.
The President reiterated the significance of increasing the currency swap to stimulate accelerated infrastructural development in Nigeria and consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries.
”The existing agreement and the approved amount for the currency swap is inadequate considering Nigeria’s development Programmes. Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable with an upward review of the currency swap”, the President urged.
The meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wang Yi underpins the strong bilateral ties between both countries as they commit to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation in various spheres.
