Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Nigeria as part of a diplomatic mission to deepen partnership and deliver on the understandings reached at the September 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. During his meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Abuja, Yi emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria in Africa and reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Wang Yi highlighted that his visit aligns with China’s tradition of commencing the new year with diplomatic engagements in Africa.
“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,” Yi stated. “It is also to discuss with my African friends how to deliver on the important common understandings reached at the FOCAC Beijing meeting, in particular the ten partnership actions, and to provide new substance to our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Yi praised Nigeria as a key player in Africa and the global South, acknowledging its significant influence and role in promoting peace and development across the continent.
“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,” Yi said.
He further noted that the strategic partnership between China and Nigeria has yielded substantial benefits, citing milestones achieved under the leadership of both countries’ presidents.
In his remarks, Yi commended the outcomes of past interactions, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China for the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the first plenary meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee held in Beijing. He emphasized the progress made in advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Under the guidance of our two presidents, we have achieved abundant fruits in our cooperation across the board, delivering real benefits to our two peoples. Our two sides agreed to elevate our relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering in new and brighter prospects for our relations,” he noted.
Yi expressed optimism that both nations will continue to support each other’s core interests and work together for mutual development and revitalization.
The meeting in Abuja underscored China’s long-term commitment to Africa and its strategic relationship with Nigeria. By focusing on the implementation of the ten partnership actions from the FOCAC Beijing Summit, both countries aim to unlock new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and technological development.
This visit marks another step forward in the robust China-Nigeria strategic partnership, setting the stage for continued cooperation and shared prosperity.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
