The Chinese government has begun preparations for this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, according to Zhang Yi, the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy.
During the Capacity Building Workshop for Diplomatic Correspondents held in Abuja on Wednesday, Zhang Yi highlighted the deepening relationship between China and Nigeria. The workshop, themed “Enhancing Diplomatic Reporting in Nigeria,” emphasized Nigeria’s significant role in China-Africa relations.
“We are making full preparations for the approaching summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will be held from September 4 to 6,” Zhang Yi announced. “We hope this summit will greatly enhance our bilateral relations.”
Zhang Yi underscored Nigeria’s importance to China, noting, “The all-round, wide-range, and high-quality bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has been a pacesetter for China-Africa cooperation. Now, Nigeria has become China’s biggest contractor market, third-largest trading partner, and major investment destination in Africa. Practical cooperation across the board has been immensely successful.”
He further elaborated on the intertwined destinies of China and Nigeria, emphasizing their shared development ambitions and challenges in the modern era. “Both nations, characterized by their vast populations and rich cultural legacies, strive to carve their paths in an ever-changing global landscape,” Zhang Yi said.
Addressing the significance of diplomatic reporting, Zhang Yi remarked that there is a wealth of topics for diplomatic correspondents to cover, particularly in the areas of development, bilateral relations, and common interests on international platforms.
