By our Correspondent
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening the China–Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, it highlighted that both President Tinubu and Ambassador Yu commended the steady, and positive trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries, describing the cooperation as mutually beneficial and increasingly dynamic.
Ambassador Yu noted that China–Nigeria relations have entered a “fast track” through the concerted efforts of both governments. He emphasized that the two countries have continued to understand and support each other on issues of core interest, adding that China firmly backs Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain national security.
He further expressed China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Nigeria in accelerating the implementation of the zero-tariff policy for Nigerian exports, enhancing the alignment of development strategies, and consolidating strategic mutual trust.
Yu maintained that these steps will help elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
The meeting, according to the statement, underscores continued momentum in China–Nigeria cooperation across security, trade, and development sectors, reflecting both countries’ desire to deepen long-term strategic engagement.
It will be recalled that on September 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Beijing Summit. The Nigerian and Chinese leaders, during the meeting, jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and pledged commitment to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Nigeria and China have over the years achieved rapid growth across all sectors and have supported each other on issues concerning common core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in global and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach. The two countries are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation. (GSF)
