The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to implementing agreements made during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, underscoring the country’s commitment to furthering bilateral relations with the Asian giant.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while hosting his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Tuggar highlighted the significance of the agreements, which were forged during President Tinubu’s visit from September 1 to 6, 2024.
The trip marked Tinubu’s first visit to China since assuming office and was accompanied by a delegation of ministers, state governors, and business leaders.
The visit also saw Tinubu’s participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
During the visit, four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, and these agreements are now in various stages of implementation.
Tuggar emphasized that these MoUs serve as a foundation for deepening cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
“The agreements signed during President Tinubu’s state visit to China are a testament to our commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with China.
These MoUs, now in progress, represent a major step in upgrading our relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Tuggar said.
He further expressed confidence in the ongoing implementation of the agreements, which he believes will unlock new opportunities for trade facilitation, people-to-people exchanges, and mutual economic benefits.
Tuggar also emphasized the importance of continued high-level engagements between both countries to ensure the success of these agreements and to promote the shared goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Our cooperation has already yielded tangible results in several areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
We are committed to sustaining this momentum as we explore new opportunities for collaboration,” Tuggar added, noting that Nigeria is undergoing significant transformations as part of its vision to become a more prosperous and egalitarian nation.
Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the “One China Principle,” reiterating the country’s support for China on issues related to its core interests. He stressed the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations to maximize the benefits of their growing partnership.
In his remarks, Wang Yi praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its global influence, describing the country as a key player in the global South.
He commended the progress made in Nigeria-China relations under the leadership of both nation’s presidents, particularly the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Nigeria is an influential African power and an important member of the global South.
As we work towards peace and development in Africa, Nigeria plays an indispensable role.
China has always viewed its relationship with Nigeria from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Wang said.
Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its ties with Nigeria, emphasizing that both countries will continue to cooperate on issues of mutual interest, including development and global governance.
He also expressed optimism that the continued collaboration would yield further tangible benefits for both nations.
“Under the leadership of our two presidents, we have already achieved significant progress across various sectors, and we are determined to continue building on this foundation to deliver real benefits for our peoples,” Wang concluded.
The meeting between the two foreign ministers further reinforced the growing and multifaceted nature of Nigeria-China relations, with both nations looking forward to deepening their strategic cooperation in the coming years.
