China is willing 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, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.
ABUJA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is willing 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, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday.
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 said during his meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China has always viewed the development of its relations with Nigeria from a strategic and long-term perspective and is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria, provide mutual understanding and support on issues concerning their core interests, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results during their development and revitalization processes.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu successfully visited China last year, during which the two heads of state elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening new and broader prospects for bilateral cooperation, Wang noted.
Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, all-around cooperation between China and Nigeria has yielded remarkable results, bringing tangible benefits to their people, he added.
China is ready 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 advantages in infrastructure cooperation, expanding trade and financial collaboration, and creating new highlights in investment cooperation to further deepen practical ties between the two countries, Wang said.
He called on 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, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Wang said, adding that China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, uniting regional countries, and maintaining regional stability.
He reiterated China's steadfast support for Africa in voicing demands for climate justice at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, saying China is ready to strengthen coordination with Nigeria and other African countries on climate change issues to safeguard the development interests of the Global South.
For his part, Tuggar said Nigeria and China have deep historical ties, rooted in mutual respect and trust, which have produced substantial achievements.
Nigeria and China share no differences and strengthening their cooperation conforms to their mutual interests, he said.
Nigeria admires China's remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation, praises its global influence, and is committed to fostering friendship and cooperation with China to create a brighter future for their people, Tuggar said.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria's unwavering adherence to the one-China principle and pledged continued support for China's stance on the international stage, noting that it is the right thing to do.
The FOCAC Beijing Summit was a success with significant outcomes, he said, adding that Nigeria is committed to implementing the summit's outcomes and advancing China-Nigerian relations to a higher level.
Tuggar also expressed condolences over the earthquake in China's Xizang Autonomous Region, commending the Chinese government's swift and effective disaster relief efforts. ■