President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Africa’s immense opportunities for investments, economic growth, and development during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday in Beijing, China.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Ninth Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where both leaders emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships for mutual prosperity.
President Tinubu praised FOCAC’s role in enhancing the partnership between Africa and China, noting that it is founded on mutual respect and shared goals for development, peace, and stability.
He stressed the potential that Africa, with its youthful population, productive economy, and abundant natural resources, holds for foreign investments.
“The African spirit for FOCAC is based upon mutual respect and partnership that promotes development, happiness, peace, and stability for our people.
“We believe that we share common interests, which are investments and development,” Tinubu stated.
As Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering relationships that support progress and growth across the continent.
He highlighted the significance of focusing on areas of collaboration that ensure the partnership between Africa and China remains mutually beneficial.
“Africa is a huge opportunity for economic development. We are willing to partner for progress and development,” he said.
President Tinubu also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Chinese government, commending their hospitality despite the challenges of jetlag.
In response, Premier Li Qiang reiterated China’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria, building on the mutual understanding between President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu.
The Premier emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership recently established between the two countries.
Earlier, Nigeria and China have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, following high-level talks between President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The significant development marks a new phase in the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations, with both leaders agreeing to build a “high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.”
During their discussions, the two presidents emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to advance trade, economic development, and regional stability.
