Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the elevation of China-Nigeria ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Tinubu is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and a state visit.

Noting Nigeria is a major African country with great influence, a huge population and development potential, Xi pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, China and Nigeria have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, blazing a new trail of seeking self-reliance through unity and win-win cooperation.