Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations with Nigeria, emphasizing the potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations. Xi made these remarks during a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the Great Hall in Beijing, ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, scheduled from September 4 to 6.
President Xi highlighted the half-century of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria, noting that both countries have fostered mutual understanding and cooperation over the years. He proposed elevating their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, aiming to use the upcoming FOCAC summit as a platform to further strengthen China-Africa relations.
“We are ready to work closely with President Tinubu to fully unleash the exemplary roles of China-Nigeria diplomatic friendship,” Xi stated.
President Tinubu, who was on a state visit to China at Xi’s invitation, expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the two countries. He recognized the potential for increased trade and economic collaboration, noting that this was his second visit to China—his first being as the Governor of Lagos, and now as President.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements on Belt and Road Initiative projects, news exchange cooperation, and television cooperation.
President Tinubu was accompanied by key Nigerian officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State.
