China extols strategic partnership with Nigeria

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Zhang Bin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the Nigeria-China bilateral relations dated back to the mid 20th century.

Zhang said the two countries had established strategic partnership and were currently enjoying frequent exchange at the highest level of visitations of government officials.

“China and Nigeria enjoy very good relations which dates back to the first half of the last century when Nigeria was seeking independence; we supported each other.

And since the establishment of the diplomatic ties of the two countries in 1971, the bilateral relations have witnessed a stable and healthy development especially in recent years.

“Actually right now, Nigeria and China are strategic partners. We established the strategic partnership in 2005.

“And since then, the bilateral cooperation has witnessed a fast development especially in recent years, we are enjoying frequent exchange of high level visits,” he said.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan held bilateral talks with the Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visited China on a State visit in 2013.

Zhang said Jonathan also held talks with the Prime Minister Li Keqiang and the Chinese Speaker Zhang Dejiang on developmental issues.

According to him, in the same year, Chinese Speaker also visited Nigeria and enhanced the level of cooperation between the two countries.

“Last year, the Chinese Prime Minister visited Nigeria and attended the 21st edition of the World Economic Forum in Africa.

“Then just a few days later, the Nigeria’s Senate President David Mark visited China.

“So all these visits turned out to be very successful and fruitful. The out come is what we are seeing in Nigeria with many Chinese businessmen and investors in Nigeria,” he said.

He said both countries had signed serious agreements covering political, economic, cultural, even consulate affairs.

“So right now, all these agreements are being implemented smoothly. So we are hoping that the strategic partnership will be further enhanced through our implementations.

NAN reports that no fewer that 60,000 Chinese nationals are currently doing business in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy. (NAN)