BILATERAL RELATIONS: Nigeria and China pledge to render mutual support to each other
Oru Leonard
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has assured China of Nigeria ‘s reciprocal support at bilateral and multilateral levels.
He gave the assurance when he received the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs, Mr. Deng Li in Abuja.
Ambassador Zubairu Dada who said Nigeria and China have excellent relationship for many decades, maintained that relations between the two countries had continued to grow from strength to strength due to the total commitment of leaders of both countries.
While congratulating China for a peaceful transition, Ambassador Dada said he look forward to more dynamic relationships with the People ‘s Republic of China.
He said as Nigeria is going through the same process of transition from one civilian government to another, the country needs the support of China and indeed all other friendly nations to ensure a seamless transition.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commended China for embarking on fifteen developmental projects across Nigeria which he said some have already been completed while others are at the various levels of completion.
He however expressed concern over difficulties faced by some Nigerians who wants to reside in China in the issuance of resident permits and called for urgent steps to be taken to address the problem.
While applauding China’s resolve to allow Nigerian students return to China to continue their studies, the Minister also said the commencement of direct flights from Nigeria to China is also a welcomed development.
Earlier, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Africa, Mr. Deng Li congratulated Nigeria for a peaceful conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections.
He described Nigeria as an important strategic partner of China in Africa.
Mr. Deng Li said his country will continue to cherish Nigeria especially for its recognition and belief in one China Policy.
He urged Nigeria to always support China at the International front especially against the United States accusations of human rights violations, which he said was not true.
The top ranking diplomat appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency do everything possible to protect Chinese citizens and Enterprises from attacks in Nigeria.
He said China will assist Nigeria in intelligence gathering to curb terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country as he also pledge China’s resolve to continue to embark on more developmental projects across Nigeria.
(MFA Media)
