Nigeria and China have signed a joint agreement towards strengthening exchanges and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his counterpart, Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, disclosed this in their joint statement in China.

Yi is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The two ministers, who co-chaired the first Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee, signed the statement centred on joint efforts by both countries to promote regional and world peace

According to both ministers, their agreement will advance their respective departments of security operations, trade, police enforcement, enhance their capacity, safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.

“The two countries restated their commitment to enhancing the mutual bond and friendship between their two peoples through mutual trust, interest-sharing and common progress through mutual exchanges, mutual learning and mutual understanding.

“The two countries are willing to continue to build culture brands, such as the Happy Chinese New Year, Chinese-Nigeria Culture Week, Chinese-Nigeria Film Festival, and Abuja International Art Fair.

“The two sides will strengthen mutual visits and exchanges between art groups and personnel; promote human resources training in the fields of culture and tourism, and support cooperation in creative culture between them.

“The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in cultural and tourism fields, such as publishing, film and television production, cultural heritage, libraries, museums and tourism promotion.

“The two sides confirmed their readiness to maintain regular contacts and close communication at all levels on convening the second Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee and Sessions of its Sub-committees.”

The two officials reviewed the positive outcomes achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria over the past 50 years.

They also jointly planned the future development of the bilateral relations, exchanged views on China-Africa relations, major international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached wide range consensus.

Both countries pledged to support each other in their aspirations in various international fora, particularly the UN, G20 and BRICS.

“The government of Nigeria acknowledges there is but one China in the world and that the government of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

“Also that Taiwan is inalienable part of China’s territory; Nigeria opposes any separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” in any form.

“In any external attempts to interfere in China’s internal affairs, Nigeria will support efforts by Chinese government to realise national reunification.

“The two sides agreed to work towards good governance and democratic values, peace, security and stability in the Sahel region and recognise Nigeria’s leading role in fight against terrorism and other related transborder crimes.

“Both agreed that necessary efforts towards ensuring economic viability of the region would be pursued through infrastructure development and sectoral cooperation.”

Wang said that China commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership role in ECOWAS and efforts to bring about stability in the sub-region.

Similarly, Tuggar said Nigeria commended and support the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The ministers expressed both governments commitment to intensifying efforts to protect the rights and dignity of each other’s citizens living in its country and create business-friendly environment for their business.

“The two sides agreed to support each other’s efforts to promote reunification, ethnic unity and social harmony, endeavour to enhance political mutual trust, and further support each other on matters related to its core interests and major concerns.

“The two sides stressed the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China-Africa relations, international peace and development, Nigeria supports China in hosting the 2024 FOCAC Summit.

“The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

“The two sides advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all and jointly promotes building a community with a shared future for humanity.

“Both countries are dedicated to advancing high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), facilitating synergies between BRI and FOCAC conference outcomes with Renewed Hope Agenda, Eight Priority Areas proposed by Tinubu and jointly promoting high-quality, practical cooperation in an all-around manner.”

The two countries further promised to strengthen cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, electricity, telecommunications, finance, agriculture, industry, mining and free trade zones.

Also, to jointly explore cooperation opportunities in fields such as digital economy, green economy and blue economy and foster new growth drivers in cooperation.

“The Chinese side is willing to expand imports of Nigerian agricultural products; the Nigerian side called for increased partnership in Mining and Solid Mineral development and expressed willingness to partner Chinese companies to establish manufacturing companies in Nigeria for local consumption and exports.

“The two sides stand ready to create transparent, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation between the two countries, strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, oppose trade protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.

“The two sides support more Chinese and Nigerian provinces and municipalities/States and Local Governments in establishing more friendly relations and encouraging sister cities.

“China expresses its commitment to support Nigeria in upgrading its science and technology in the military sector, equipment and capacity building of intelligence to respond more effectively to traditional and non-traditional security challenges at home and aboard; also at the regional and international levels and to safeguard peace and stability of the country,” the ministers said.

(NAN)