By Abiola Olawale
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held talks on Tuesday, resolving to elevate the China-Nigeria ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The New Diplomat reports that Tinubu is currently in Beijing, China for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and leverage the opportunity to have a state visit.
Jinping and Tinubu held a high-level meeting in Beijing. During their meeting, the Chinese President stated that since the past half of a century, when China and Nigeria established their diplomatic ties, both parties have always treated each other with mutual understanding.
He also noted that the two countries should further enhance strategic mutual trust, and develop bilateral relations for a strategic and long-term perspective, and firmly support each other on issues of each country’s respective core interests and major concerns.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Jinping was quoted as saying: “We have found the path of seeking collective strength, unity and win-win cooperation; until this point, China and Nigeria as major developing countries have strengthened strategic cooperation and set new vistas for China-Africa Relations in the new era.
“This has further spearheaded common progress among global South countries; I propose elevating our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“At the upcoming 2024 FOCAC summit, we will jointly take stock of the experience of China-Africa friendship and advance the building of a high level of China-Africa community shared future.
“China and Nigeria alphabet worked closely together under the FOCAC framework and jointly carried out strategic cooperation projects.
“I am ready to work with Mr President, to fully unleash the exemplary role of China-Nigeria cooperation, to advance China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations toward a new and greater achievement.”
Responding, Tinubu expressed appreciation to Xi, saying the visit marked his second visitation to China.
According to him, the first time was during his tenure as the then governor of Lagos and now, as president.
Tinubu stated: “This is a very important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa as the Chairman of ECOWAS.
“China and Nigeria relations have indeed lasted for over half a century and will continue to be strengthened to advance our trade and economic development.
“Nigeria has a very great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and the biggest in the area of young population that can drive economic growth.
“You have upgraded the relationship to what is more than just strategic in addressing developmental problems.”
