On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, revealed in a statement that the meeting resulted in the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two leaders committed to establishing a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.
"This visit is significant for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, especially as I come in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I appreciate the high level of honor extended to us," Tinubu remarked. He highlighted that the relationship between China and Nigeria has endured for over 50 years and should be further strengthened to enhance trade and economic development.
Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's potential as Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, driven by a youthful population capable of propelling economic growth and cross-sectoral initiatives. He stated, "We have upgraded the relationship to a comprehensive developmental partnership, which should lead to significant development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region."
The Nigerian President also discussed his administration’s economic reforms, assuring President Xi of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable growth through the diligent implementation of these reforms. "We recognize the need to reform our economy, and we are actively doing so across various sectors, including tax and tariff reviews," Tinubu noted. He assured that trading and investment partners would have seamless access to bring in their investments and repatriate their resources.
President Xi, in response, acknowledged the strong mutual understanding between Nigeria and China over the past five decades of diplomatic relations. He emphasized the importance of unity and win-win cooperation, stating that as major developing countries, China and Nigeria's strengthened strategic coordination will infuse new energy into China-Africa relations and foster collective progress among Global South countries.
Xi also highlighted the upcoming 2024 FOCAC Summit as an opportunity to reflect on and enhance China-Africa relations. He assured that China and Nigeria would continue to collaborate closely within the FOCAC framework, setting an example of cooperation between nations.
