PRESIDENT TINUBU IN BEIJING: Mulls Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and China
Oru Leonard
In a landmark move, President Xi Jinping of China and President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria met in Beijing to declare their readiness to work together, elevating their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This significant move aims to bolster economic cooperation and development between the two nations.
The meeting, held ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, marked a new chapter in China-Nigeria relations. President Xi Jinping proposed elevating the bilateral ties, citing the need for collective strength, unity, and win-win cooperation. President Tinubu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of regional development, peace, stability, and security in West Africa.
The two leaders acknowledged the 50-year diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria, built on mutual understanding and cooperation. President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s most populous country, with a young population driving economic growth. President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms.
The meeting culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Belt and Road Initiative projects, news exchange cooperation, and television cooperation. With this partnership, China and Nigeria are poised to achieve sustainable growth and development.
President Tinubu’s visit to China marked his second visit to the country, having previously visited as the Governor of Lagos. He emphasized the significance of the visit, not only for Nigeria but also for the ECOWAS region. The strategic partnership is expected to result in regional development, peace, stability, and security in West Africa.
