Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and China.
Tuggar expressed the commitment when he met with Mr Wang Yi, Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, on Thursday in Abuja.
The MoU was signed on Sept. 3 and 4, 2024 between President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
It was to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
The MoU, which is currently at various stages of implementation, borders on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation plan, promoting implementation of the Global Development Initiative and economic development.
Others are the application of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, peanut exports to China, and news media, among other fields.
According to Tuggar, cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results in various fields including trade, investment, infrastructure development and cultural exchange.
Tuggar said, “I look forward to exploring avenues to deepen our bilateral engagement, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges.
“Your Excellency would always be certain of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the One China Principle and assurance of our continued support for China on the international stage.
“The almost intuitive nature of Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship and continuous collaboration with China have been devoid of disputes, bringing about substantial benefits to both countries.
“Nigeria recognises and appreciates the high-level visits between officials of the two countries that have helped in shaping and strengthening this existing relationship between both countries.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the terms of the MOUs, which are currently at various stages of implementation; importantly, we formalise upgrading of our relationship from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Wang described Nigeria as a major African country with global influence, saying it was an important member of the global South as both parties work for Africa’s peace and development.
According to him, Nigeria plays an irreplaceable and important role on the global scene.
Wang said, “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, vitalisation and 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.”
The visiting foreign minister also paid a courtesy call on President Tinubu to deliver a special message from the Chinese President at the Presidential Villa.
