By our Correspondent
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Yu Dunhai, on Wednesday held talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as both countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
During the meeting, Yu, remarked that China-Nigeria relations had entered a “fast track” due to sustained high-level engagement and mutual support on core national interests. He highlighted the recently released Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, noting that China remains committed to expanding high-standard opening-up and sharing development opportunities globally.
He commended Nigeria’s longstanding support for China and reaffirmed Beijing’s backing for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. Yu added that China was prepared to collaborate with Nigeria on the early implementation of zero-tariff treatment for Nigerian exports, and to jointly plan activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 2026 China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges. These initiatives, he said, would help deepen strategic mutual trust and deliver greater benefits to citizens of both countries.
Responding, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar described China as Nigeria’s “comprehensive strategic partner” and expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He reiterated Nigeria’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, and said Abuja was ready to align its development strategies with Beijing while expanding cooperation in manufacturing, trade, and investment. Strengthened collaboration, he noted, would elevate bilateral relations to new heights. (GSF)
