NIGERIA-CHINA RELATIONS: Ministers hold talks at the First Inter-government Committee

Raphael Oni

His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs has embarked on an official working visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, His Excellency Wang Yi.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Beijing on Friday. The two foreign ministers also attended the first Plenary Session of China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee. The meeting aimed to strengthen economic ties and bilateral trade between both nations, with over 200 Chinese companies participating. Some key outcomes and topics discussed includes,  Increasing bilateral trade and investment, Fostering business matchmaking,- Infrastructure development, People-to-people exchanges, Trade and investment opportunities,  Innovative collaborations , Strengthening bilateral relations among other.

The Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee is the first intergovernmental committee mechanism established between China and an African country. The committee has been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation in promoting practical cooperation since its establishment more than three years ago. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields such as trade, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges. Both ministers expressed their commitment to strengthening the existing ties between China and Nigeria for mutual benefit and development. Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for Nigeria’s efforts in achieving stability and prosperity in the region.

The two ministers also explored opportunities for collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong bond between the two nations and a pledge to continue working together towards shared goals.The meeting between the two ministers was considered a significant step in further solidifying the relationship between China and Nigeria.

It highlighted the importance of cooperation in key areas crucial for the growth and progress of both countries. Wang Yi and Yusuf  Tuggar emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to address common challenges and seize opportunities for mutual advancement. Their discussions laid the groundwork for future engagements aimed at enhancing the partnership between China and Nigeria on a global scale.

In a press statement from the office of Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs made available to the Press read in part, “ As part of his working visit, Amb. Tuggar will take part in several high-level meetings and events, including the inaugural Plenary Session of the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee in Beijing and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian. These engagements are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. He is also expected to meet with ECOWAS Ambassadors as well as launch the 4D Cultural Diplomacy Programme of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Embassy of Nigeria.”

The statement further revealed that the visit is aimed at deepening economic and trade collaboration, enhancing high-level exchanges, and strengthening mutual support at multilateral for a. Some of the outcomes from the visit include advancing Nigeria’s development drive, boosting infrastructure development, improving healthcare and educational systems, stimulating job creation and economic opportunities, Implementing Bilateral Agreements, increasing trade volume and diversification, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening industrial capabilities and competitiveness.

The Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee, established to promote practical cooperation in various fields, held its inaugural meeting in Beijing. The committee’s first round of talks focused on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting between the two ministers was considered a significant step in further solidifying the relationship between China and Nigeria. It highlighted the importance of cooperation in key areas crucial for the growth and progress of both countries. The two Ministers  emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to address common challenges and seize opportunities for mutual advancement.

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