Chinese and Nigerian FMs Hold Talks

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar held talks on Friday in Beijing, followed by their participation in the inaugural Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee.

During the discussions, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized Nigeria’s significant role as a major African country with substantial influence. He underscored that the robust development of China-Nigeria relations serves as a model and a guiding framework for broader China-Africa relations.

Wang stated that China is committed to standing with Nigeria as a supportive brother, a mutually beneficial partner, a fair and just friend, and a partner in maintaining peace and stability. He expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to drive development and revitalization, thereby elevating both China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations to new heights.

Minister Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast adherence to the one-China principle and expressed the nation’s desire to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, and foster closer practical cooperation with China. He highlighted Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with China to unify countries of the Global South, uphold multilateralism, and safeguard fairness and justice.

The two ministers also engaged in comprehensive discussions on China-Africa cooperation, agreeing to work towards successful outcomes at the upcoming session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, set to be held in China this fall.

At the plenary session, Wang Yi noted that the China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee has been a leader in promoting practical cooperation within the framework of China-Africa relations since its establishment over three years ago. He emphasized the importance of continued consensus-building and cooperation between the two major developing nations to infuse new momentum into China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations, contributing to the creation of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Wang Yi stressed the strategic importance of bilateral relations, advocating for both countries to regard each other as key strategic partners. He called for the continuation and expansion of economic and trade cooperation, and for achieving coordinated development across various fields to ensure the benefits of cooperation reach the people.

The China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee is the first of its kind established between China and an African country. Wang Yi urged both sides to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders and translate cooperation plans into tangible outcomes through practical actions.

Minister Tuggar praised the achievements of the first plenary session and expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening mutual trust and pushing for further cooperation across various sectors.

Following the session, both sides issued a joint statement summarizing the outcomes and agreements of the first plenary session of the China-Nigeria Inter-governmental Committee.