By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), His Excellency Hu Chunhua, restated this when he led a high-level Chinese delegation on a visit to the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Abuja, Nigeria on Friday.
Hu who conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice President Han Zheng to Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations and reiterated China’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria in implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and furthering the achievements of the Beijing Summit.
“China is willing to work together with Nigeria to implement the important consensus reached by our leaders and promote new and greater achievements in the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership,” Hu stated.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in strengthening China-Nigeria relations through past engagements, including bilateral committee meetings and high-level visits.
Responding, Minister Tuggar warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation on behalf of the Federal Government and Vice President Shettima, who was unavoidably absent.
Tuggar congratulated Hu on his assumption of duties as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, acknowledging the important role the body plays in China’s political system.
He also expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for China’s ongoing partnership, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, trade, and investment.
“We thank you for the continuing partnership in actualizing our ambition of infrastructure development, increased trade and investment, and building a 21st century nation in Nigeria. Relationships and partnerships such as the one that exists between Nigeria and China are ones that we should continue to hold dear to our hearts and ensure they continue not just to exist but to excel”, he stated.
The Minister also praised China for successfully hosting the recent FOCAC summit and emphasised the importance of the relationship, describing it as one to be cherished and nurtured.
“Relationships and partnerships such as the one that exists between Nigeria and China are ones that we should continue to hold dear to our hearts and ensure they continue not just to exist but to excel.
“We want to continue to assure you of our commitment to the one China principle, and at the same time we want to thank you and commend you for recognizing Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa within the fold of the economic community of West African states and on the African continent as a whole.
“Although it is evident that we are not as large demographically as China, we are the largest country on the continent, and like China, we pay close attention and importance to consultation, consulting people and deliberation in the exigencies of governance and leadership.
“So we recognize the work that you are doing and reassure that this is something that we also do in our country to ensure that a largely demographic nation such as Nigeria and a diverse one”, he added.
As Africa’s most populous nation and a key regional leader, Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to dialogue and inclusive governance, values it shares with China. Both countries pledged to continue working closely to ensure mutual benefits from their strategic cooperation.
The visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and China, building on decades of strong bilateral relations.