Kehinde Fajobi
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing agreements reached with China during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit in September 2024.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Abuja, Tuggar underscored the importance of the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit.
He noted that the agreements aim to bolster trade, investment, and infrastructure collaboration between the two nations.
“President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024 saw the signing of four MoUs,” Tuggar said.
“Nigeria remains committed to these agreements, which are progressing through various stages of implementation. Importantly, we have elevated our partnership from a strategic to a comprehensive strategic relationship.”
The September visit, which marked President Tinubu’s first official trip to China, also included his participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
Tinubu was joined by key government officials, state governors, and business leaders to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Tuggar emphasised that the MoUs serve as a framework for deeper collaboration in areas such as trade facilitation, skills development, and cultural exchanges.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the “One China Principle” and highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue to ensure the agreements’ successful execution.
“Our partnership has delivered meaningful outcomes in trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange,” Tuggar said.
“As we explore additional areas of cooperation, I commend China’s exceptional strides in economic growth, technological advancement, and global influence.”
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, praised Nigeria’s prominent role as a key African power and a significant player in the global South.
He commended the progress achieved under the leadership of the two nations’ presidents and reaffirmed China’s dedication to fostering stronger ties with Nigeria.
“Nigeria holds a vital position in Africa and on the global stage,” Wang said. “As we pursue peace and development across Africa, Nigeria’s role remains indispensable.”
Under the guidance of both presidents, Wang added, the bilateral relationship has yielded substantial benefits for citizens of both countries.
“Guided by the vision of our two leaders, we have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, delivering real benefits to both nations,” Wang noted.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to prioritising Africa in its foreign policy and expressed optimism that the continued partnership would bring concrete benefits to both nations.