During the official visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to Beijing, China, he and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and create a high-level collaboration with a shared future between the two nations.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties with China to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth and cross-sectoral programs.
He further stressed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, citing President Xi’s successful reform of the Chinese economy as a model for Nigeria’s own reform program.
President Tinubu pointed out Nigeria’s potential as a major economic power in Africa, with its large population and youthful demographic that can drive growth across sectors. He expressed confidence that the upgraded relationship between Nigeria and China would bring robust development, stability, and security to the West African sub-region.
President Xi, in his response, commended the strong understanding between China and Nigeria that has developed over the past 50 years, stating that the two nations have found a path to collective strength, unity, and win-win cooperation.
Xi further emphasized the significance of cooperation between China and Africa, expressing the belief that the strengthening of strategic coordination between China and Nigeria would inject fresh momentum into China-Africa relations in the new era.
The Chinese leader pledged to work closely with Nigeria within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to serve as a model of cooperation between nations.
He also affirmed China’s continued support for African countries, especially Nigeria, to promote common progress and address global challenges.
In light of this strengthened partnership, President Tinubu expressed optimism about the prospects for the Nigerian economy, as the nation positions itself to become a key player in Africa and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Chinese leader reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting win-win cooperation with Nigeria, as well as with other African nations, for the mutual benefit of all parties involved.
The bilateral discussions between the two leaders, therefore, have set the stage for a stronger and more collaborative relationship between China and Nigeria, heralding a new era of economic and political cooperation.
References and Citations:
- Daily Post – Tinubu engages Xi Jinping in Bilateral deals, signs MOUs on media, Nuclear Energy, others
- PUNCH – Tinubu meets Xi Jinping today, signs bilateral agreements
- BBC – Tinubu signs MOUs with China