President Bola Tinubu on Thursday welcomed the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chen Xiaodong, to Abuja, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the over 50-year relationship between Nigeria and China.
“For us, it is a new beginning with you. A relationship that has lasted over 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted. Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important. I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs,” President Tinubu remarked during the meeting at the State House.
According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for China’s support in advocating for a more significant role for Nigeria in international platforms like the G20, the UN Security Council, and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
“We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people. Over the years, China has gone through phases of transformation and development. I once visited Shanghai when it was a village, and to see the rapid transformation, the technological development, is worth more collaborative efforts,” the President added.
Highlighting the importance of bilateral relations, President Tinubu praised President Xi Jinping for his consistent efforts in strengthening ties with Nigeria and Africa. He underscored Nigeria’s potential, noting, “This is the largest economy in Africa. To classify us as a backwater economy, no matter how hungry we are, we will manage our hunger. We will be friends and partners with those who respect our values, and China is one of them.”
President Tinubu also commended China’s contributions to Africa’s infrastructure needs and the transfer of technology, emphasizing the vibrant and educated youth population in Nigeria ready for skill development and knowledge transfer. He expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit China and highlighted the success of projects like the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Mr. Chen Xiaodong, in his remarks, praised President Tinubu’s strategic vision and leadership in ECOWAS and Africa. He noted that President Tinubu’s upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping would further enhance opportunities for Nigeria and Africa. The Chinese envoy also congratulated President Tinubu on his re-election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
