Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed satisfaction with the continuous increase in the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, saying it is one of the highest in Africa.
Accordingly, he called for constant improvement of relations between the two nations, maintaining that the two countries are friends that have sustained mutual respect and honour for one another.
Senator Shettima made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from China led by the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Qingwei, at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Expressing satisfaction with the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, the Vice President, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said, “Last year in 2023, our trade relations with China got to $22.6 billion, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33 percent every year.
“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up, but that has not stopped our business relationship with China. So, I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, respect you, and cherish our relationship.”
VP Shettima stressed the need to strengthen relations between the two countries, which have spanned over 50 years, for the benefit of both nations.
“Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years, dating back to 1971, and this friendship is evident in the numerous high-level visits between the two nations, including the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024. These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the two nations,” said Senator Shettima.
The vice president, who expressed his admiration for China’s culture and traditions, said the country is already making its mark among the committee of nations, even as he called for greater engagements between the two friendly countries.
“This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties,” the VP added.
Senator Shettima assured the delegation that Nigeria supports the One China policy.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria will surmount its security challenges, and he appealed for support from China in that regard.
“You have mentioned security; there can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace. We really want to reposition the security architecture of our country. We are investing in technology, and we need your support; we need your cooperation and your partnership,” the VP said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr Zhang Qingwei, said the Strategic partnership between Nigeria and China is opening a new chapter in their relationship.
Qingwei said China is ready to move the relationship to a new high.
“In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a state visit. President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced that they would elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a new height,” he said.
He also pointed to the need for Nigeria and China to support each other politically. He added that President Tinubu is committed to economic diversification, and China is ready to support Nigeria’s developmental expedition.
The delegation which had the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, also had Hon. Chio Bing, vice chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC).
Others include Hon Wang Li-Sha, a member of the Committee of Institutions, and Hon Sung Si Dung, a member of the Constitution and Law Committee of the NPC, who is also a member of the China-Nigeria group of the NPC.
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