Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The People’s Republic of China on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.
Hu Chunhua, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), disclosed this during his visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, in Abuja.
He commended the China-Nigeria diplomatic relations to have been established on mutual grounds, saying the country would continue to do more to strengthen its bilateral ties with Nigeria.
Chunhua said, “The Foreign Minister, Amb. Tuggar has been committed to the friendship between China and Nigeria. Last year, you visited China and co-hosted the China-Nigeria intergovernmental commission.
“In September 2024, you accompanied President Bola Tinubu to China. Also, in January, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, visited Nigeria and held a meeting with you.
“You reached an extensive common understanding, so China is looking forward to working closely with Nigeria to promote the friendship and cooperation between our two sides.”
Responding, Tuggar expressed appreciation to Chunhua for the visit, saying the mutual exchanges between the two countries have become important to further deepen their diplomatic ties.
“It is through such contact and engagement that we will reaffirm the level of our diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“We congratulate China for a successful hosting of FOCAC and continuous partnership in actualising our ambition of infrastructural development, increased trade and investment in building a 21st century nation in Nigeria.
“In this time of global uncertainty, relations and partnerships, such as the one that exists between Nigeria and China, are ones that we should continue to hold dear to our heart.
“To 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.
“At the same time, we thank you for recognising Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa within the fold of ECOWAS and in Africa as a whole,” Tuggar said.
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