From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that China and 53 African strategic partners, standing shoulder to shoulder, will play a greater role in improving the wellbeing of the Chinese and African people.
Yu who spoke during a special event organized by the China Media Group in Abuja to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, also said China and the 53 African strategic partners will safeguard world peace and stability.
Yu said: “I have just returned to Abuja from Beijing after attending the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC —a big friendly gathering of China-Africa family again in China’s capital after six years. Under the theme of ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,’ the two sides took stock of the journey of China-Africa friendship, commended the progress made in implementing the outcomes of FOCAC, and reached a clear political consensus on strengthening cooperation across the board.
“Two important documents, the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan, were adopted unanimously. I believe China and 53 African strategic partners, standing shoulder to shoulder, will play a greater role in improving the well-being of the Chinese and African people, and safeguarding world peace and stability.”
Yu also said prior to the summit, President Xi Jinping met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was in China for a state visit and the two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.
He added that China shared a long-standing friendship with Nigeria, noting that since the establishment of diplomatic ties on February 10, 1971, the relations between both countries have stood the test of changes in the international landscape and gone from strength to strength.
“Furthermore, over the years, China-Nigeria relations have stood at the forefront of China-Africa relations. At present, the intertwining destinies of China and Nigeria highlight a complex narrative of development, ambition, and challenges in the modern era. Both countries, characterized by their vast populations and rich cultural legacies, will strive to carve their paths in an ever-changing global landscape under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.
“As the 15th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, with a lofty mission on my shoulder and great excitement in my heart，I deeply felt the hospitality of the Nigerian people and their friendship with China. Today, as we hold this event here, let us recognize the importance of such collaborations in fostering progress and creating shared prosperity. Let us continue to work together to leverage our strengths and resources for the benefit of both of our countries and peoples, contributing to the vision of a community of shared future for mankind.
“Today is the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, which Chinese people enjoy sights of the full moon. In Chinese culture, the festival represents family reunion and harmony. It is my sincere hope that Chinese and Nigeria peoples enjoy long-lasting friendship, treat each other as family, and share a common destiny,” Yu stated.
The Chinese Ambassador added that he believed that in the vast ocean of historical trends, the ship of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa will sail forward in a steady and sustained way.
Earlier, Yu expressed delight in witnessing and celebrating with the China Media Group, the African works launch collected from the worldwide event “Written in the Sky: My China Story.”
Yu further said to celebrate the 75th anniversary of People’s Republic of China and the 2024 Summit of FOCAC, China Media Group initiated the event, calling for works about touching stories and special relationships with China.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the initiative represented significant effort to strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and China through cultural and linguistic exchange, while leveraging the modern communication channels available in both nations.
Idris who was represented by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Suleiman Haruna, also said the role of media outlets in guiding society is both vital and far- reaching.
“They promote mutual understanding, foster progress, and contribute to the advancement of societal, economic, and cultural domains. In this context, I would like to commend China Media Group for its dedication to delivering accurate news and producing programs that positively influence the development of both Nigeria and China. However, it is crucial to maintain balance in news reporting, particularly when showcasing national progress and achievements. It is also essential to create content that inspires hope and drives aspirations for future growth. In today’s world, advances in technology have made it possible to deliver credible and timely news to millions of people, even across vast distances. While these advancements present us with tremendous opportunities, they also bring challenges especially the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation. We must work together to tackle this issue and, ideally, eliminate it. In this spirit of cooperation, Nigeria and China have already made significant strides,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Jaafaru Yakubu, said as an ardent lover of the People’s Republic of China for many years and in his capacity as the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, he has had the opportunity to witness firsthand, the remarkable progress that China and Nigeria have made together.
“Our partnership is one of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity. China’s investment in Nigeria and the continent of Africa at large has been instrumental in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure.
“During my visits to China, among stories of developmental strides that are too numerous to be mentioned, I am particularly impressed by the Belt and Road Initiative, a visionary project that aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure development. This initiative has the potential to transform the global economy and bring prosperity to countless people. Nigeria’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has already yielded tangible results, and I am confident that it will continue to be a source of growth and development for our two countries,” Yakubu said.
