President Bola Tinubu’s arrival for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will mark a new dawn in Nigeria-China cooperation, Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, director, trade and economic department, ministry of foreign affairs, has said.
Mr Akinremi said this while answering reporters’ questions ahead of Mr Tinubu’s arrival in Beijing, China, on Sunday for the forum that is expected to begin on Sept. 4 and end on Sept. 6.
He reiterated the importance of Mr Tinubu’s state visit, saying it will further deepen the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China.
According to him, the visit will focus on strengthening both countries’ economic, political, and cultural ties.
Mr Akinremi said, “This is a multi-sectoral visit for President Tinubu; the Chinese government is honouring him with such an official visit at this time by recognising Nigeria as number one in Africa.”
“Nigeria and China have enjoyed a robust relationship spanning not less than 50 years, with Nigeria being China’s number one trading partner in Africa.
“This visit coincides with the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, where Nigeria is participating alongside other African nations.
“FOCAC is a crucial platform for strengthening economic, political and cultural ties between China and African nations; the forum established in 2000 has become a significant mechanism for ensuring win-win China and African countries cooperation.”
The director explained that Mr Tinubu’s visit is also expected to specifically yield benefits for Nigeria in terms of investments in infrastructure and technology development to boost the economy.
“The visit has already seen the participation of several Nigerian ministers, including the minister of foreign affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of works, governors and business leaders, among others.
“Nigeria and China are poised to take their relationship to new heights through this visit, building on the foundation laid over five decades ago.
“Their comprehensive strategic partnership is a testament to the shared vision by both nations to promote economic growth, development and cooperation.
“Several MoUs will be signed during the visit, and President Tinubu will also receive the delegation from Huawei and China Railway as commitment towards deepening cooperation between them,” he added.
