Wang Yi: China supports Nigeria's bigger role in region, world

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China supports Nigeria in playing a larger role in international and regional affairs, uniting regional countries and maintaining regional stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar that China has always viewed the development of China-Nigerian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria.

Nigeria, as a major African country with global influence and an important member of the Global South, plays an irreplaceable role in Africa's pursuit of peace and development, Wang noted.

He recalled that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's successful visit to China last year resulted in the two heads of state elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening new and broader prospects for cooperation.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, all-around cooperation between China and Nigeria has achieved remarkable results, bringing tangible benefits to their people, Wang added.

He called on both countries to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results in their development and revitalization processes.

China is ready to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and advance the 10 partnership action plans in Nigeria, paving the way for new progress in bilateral relations, Wang said.

He emphasized China's willingness to align Belt and Road cooperation and the 10 partnership action plans with the priority areas of Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda. By leveraging traditional strengths in infrastructure development, expanding trade and financial collaboration and creating new highlights in investment cooperation, China aims to deepen practical ties with Nigeria, Wang stated.

He also urged Nigeria to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in the country.

China appreciates Nigeria's support for its three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Wang noted.

He reiterated China's unwavering support for Africa in advocating for climate justice at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Wang added that China is ready to strengthen coordination with Nigeria and other African countries on climate change issues to protect the development interests of the Global South.

For his part, Tuggar said Nigeria and China share deep historical ties rooted in mutual respect and trust, which have produced substantial achievements.

Nigeria and China have no differences, and strengthening their cooperation aligns with their mutual interests, he noted.

Tuggar expressed admiration for China's remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation, praised its global influence and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation to create a brighter future for their people.

He also reiterated Nigeria's unwavering adherence to the one-China principle and pledged continued support for China's stance on the international stage, emphasizing that it is the right thing to do.

The FOCAC Beijing Summit was a success, with significant outcomes, Tuggar said, adding that Nigeria is committed to implementing the summit's results and advancing China-Nigeria relations to a higher level.

He also expressed condolences over the earthquake in China's Xizang Autonomous Region and commended the Chinese government's swift and effective disaster relief efforts.

(With input from Xinhua)