Lagos: From January 8th to 9th, H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Nigeria. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Tinubu and Foreign Minister Tuggar, which harvested fruitful results.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this visit marks Foreign Minister Wang Yi's return to Nigeria after four years, coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the Founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the start of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit 2024. This visit aims to build on past achievements and guide the future for China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations. It is another high-level exchange following the visits of Foreign Minister Tuggar and President Tinubu to China last year, highlighting the friendship between the two nations.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, who accompanied the visit, emphasized its significance, describing it as part of a longstanding tradition in Chinese diplomacy, where Africa is the first overseas destination for the Chinese Foreign Minister each new year. The visit underscores the mutual support and original aspiration of the China-Africa friendship, which has a unique role in international exchanges. It also demonstrates China's commitment to working with Nigeria to implement the consensus of their Heads of State and the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes, fostering an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future and leading the Global South in advancing cooperation.
The visit strengthened the synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Ten Partnership Actions for China and Africa, and President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. It injected momentum into the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, deepening cooperation and enhancing international coordination.
During discussions, the two sides reached a broad consensus. Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the China-Nigeria relationship, highlighting three achievements: a new leap in positioning, a new platform through collaboration, and a new height in international cooperation. Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle and its support for China's global role. Both nations agreed on strategies to maintain regional peace, consolidate political trust, and elevate China-Nigeria relations.
The visit outlined a forward path for cooperation. Practical cooperation remains a key driver, with projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Ogun Free Trade Zone improving Nigerian livelihoods and exemplifying China-Africa cooperation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit emphasized the strategic nature of this cooperation and the need to translate leaders' agreements and FOCAC outcomes into action. The People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria renewed a currency swap agreement, and the China Development Bank issued a loan for the Kano-Kaduna railway project. The visit also explored deepening cooperation in trade, new energy, mining, agriculture, exchanges, and security.
China-Nigeria cooperation is set to accelerate. The Chinese Ambassador expressed gratitude to Nigerian colleagues for their efforts and hospitality during the visit. He emphasized that despite international changes, China remains Nigeria's most trustworthy friend and reliable partner in development. The visit serves as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in various fields and address historical injustices, support the Global South's rise, and improve global governance. The hope is for enduring cooperation and friendship between the two nations.