Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to assisting Nigeria and Africa in achieving industrialization and agricultural modernization. The announcement came during a meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held in Beijing, China, from 17-18 October 2023.
President Xi highlighted the dynamic and productive Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa, which has seen the successful completion of numerous landmark projects. This initiative has also delivered concrete outcomes in the Sino-Nigerian relationship, particularly in areas such as railways, ports, power stations, communications infrastructure, and the establishment of free trade zones. “China is fully committed to partnering with Nigeria to achieve tangible results in China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation, facilitating industrialization and agricultural modernization in Nigeria and across Africa,” Xi stated.
He emphasized that the enduring principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit has guided China-Nigeria relations for over half a century, especially in the face of a world marked by change and uncertainty. In such circumstances, strengthened solidarity and cooperation between China and Nigeria become paramount. China supports Nigeria in tailoring its modernization path to national conditions and is eager to enhance multi-level personnel exchanges with Nigeria, fostering high-quality practical cooperation. Additionally, China backs Nigeria’s increased involvement in global and regional affairs, offering strategic coordination to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the interests of developing nations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima congratulated China on successfully hosting the third BRF, acknowledging the profound friendship shared between Nigeria and China. He praised China’s respectful and equal treatment of African countries, highlighting its support for independence and development. Shettima expressed gratitude to China for its global cooperation initiatives for developing nations, valuable assistance in Nigeria’s development, and the advancement of industrialization in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Nigeria remains committed to deepening Belt and Road cooperation with China, further elevating Nigeria-China relations to new heights.
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