The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of agreements reached with China during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit in September 2024, The Punch reports.
President Tinubu’s visit to China in September saw the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding, now at various stages of implementation.
Tuggar disclosed this when he hosted his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Abuja on Thursday.
From September 1 to 6, 2024, Tinubu paid his first visit to China since taking office and also attended the 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, accompanied by ministers, state governors, and entrepreneurs.
Tuggar described the agreements as a foundation for enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and infrastructure.
He noted that the relationship between Nigeria and China has been upgraded by these MOUs from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a move aimed at fostering closer collaboration and delivering tangible benefits to both nations.
“You will recall that His Excellency President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China in September 2024 and was received by his Chinese counterpart during which four MOUs were signed”
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the terms of the MOUs which are currently at various stages of implementation.”
“Importantly, we formalise the upgrading of our relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” the minister noted.
He said he is confident in the implementation of the agreements, which are expected to open new opportunities for trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
Tuggar also praised the high-level engagements between officials of both countries, underscoring their role in strengthening ties and addressing mutual goals of peace, prosperity, and development.
The foreign minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the “One China Principle” and reiterated the country’s dedication to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations with China.
He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration to ensure the successful execution of the signed agreements, which he said would further elevate Nigeria-China relations to new heights.
“More so, our cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
“As we explore new avenues for collaboration, I wish to acknowledge China’s remarkable progress in economic development, technological innovation, and global leadership.
“Nigeria, too, is undergoing significant transformations driven by our vision to become a more prosperous, peaceful, and egalitarian nation,” Tuggar added.
The Chinese minister on his part, praised Nigeria’s role as a major African power with global influence and its contributions to the global South.
Yi commended the progress achieved under the guidance of both nations’ presidents, including the elevation of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Chinese foreign minister reiterated China’s commitment to fostering solidarity with Nigeria and delivering on the agreements reached at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
Wang also emphasised China’s tradition of prioritizing Africa in its foreign policy, expressing hope that the continued collaboration will bring tangible benefits to both nations.
“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.
“China has all along viewed and developed relations with Nigeria from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, hoping to further our solidarity and cooperation.
“We will continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests, and as we both pursue development and vitalisation, continue to pursue cooperation for mutual benefit.
“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,” he noted.
