Raphael Oni
The recent joint conference between China and Nigeria has marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The conference, which was held during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to China, resulted in the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the building of a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future.
According to Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the conference strengthened bilateral and diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, with both countries agreeing to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The partnership is built on the principles of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation, with both countries committing to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region. China commended Nigeria’s leading role in ECOWAS and its efforts towards bringing stability to the region, and pledged support for Nigeria to play a strong leading role in regional affairs.
The conference also resulted in the signing of several partnership agreements and MoUs, covering areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy, and security. Both countries agreed to deepen their cooperation in these areas, with China pledging to support Nigeria’s development goals and Nigeria agreeing to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In addition, the conference saw the two countries agreeing to strengthen their cooperation in multilateral affairs, including the United Nations, the G20, and BRICS. They also agreed to support each other’s efforts in promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and human rights.
The conference was hailed as a huge success, with President Tinubu’s official visit to China marking a new stage in China-Nigeria relations. The establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the building of a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future demonstrate the commitment of both countries to deepening their cooperation and promoting mutual development.