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Xi Jinping and Tinubu Strengthen China-Nigeria Ties, Sign Key Agreements
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with a focus on enhancing the diplomatic relationship between China and Nigeria and advancing broader China-Africa cooperation.
During a formal meeting at the Great Hall in Beijing, held at President Xi’s invitation, the two leaders discussed their shared goals.
The meeting took place ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, scheduled for September 4–6 in Beijing.
In his remarks, President Xi highlighted the longstanding ties between China and Nigeria, which have spanned over five decades.
He emphasized that both nations have consistently maintained mutual respect and understanding, fostering unity and collaboration for mutual benefit.
He proposed elevating the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, positioning it as a key pillar for broader cooperation between China and Africa.
President Xi also saw the upcoming FOCAC summit as a pivotal moment to further cement China-Africa relations.
He expressed his eagerness to work closely with President Tinubu to fully realise the potential of China-Nigeria cooperation, setting an example of diplomatic friendship and collaboration that other nations could emulate.
In response, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and invitation, noting that this visit was his second to China—his first being during his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted diplomatic and economic ties between China and Nigeria and highlighted the opportunities for boosting trade, investment, and development between the two countries.
The high-level meeting concluded with the signing of several agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering key areas such as Belt and Road Initiative projects, media and news exchange, and television collaboration.
These agreements aim to deepen cooperation between the two nations and contribute to their mutual growth and development.
President Tinubu was accompanied by a delegation that included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, among other officials.
The meeting signifies a strong step forward in China-Nigeria relations and sets the stage for further cooperation at the upcoming FOCAC summit.
Nigerian news analyst, Mahmud Jega, has shared his opinion on the recent airstrike carried out by the United States in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians should not blame President Bola Tinubu for the incident.
Jega made this statement during a recent interview, where he said he does not believe many people will hold the Tinubu administration responsible, as Donald Trump had issued threats against Nigeria long before Tinubu’s administration.
“No, I don’t think many people will blame the Tinubu administration for what is happening now because President Donald Trump, when he first made the threats, it was clearly not in coordination with the Tinubu administration or the government of Nigeria,” Jega said.
It has been reported that the United States carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS in the northwest region of Nigeria. The order was reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared the holiday dates for the festive season.
Thursday, December 25 will be observed as Christmas Day, December 26 as Boxing Day, and Thursday, January 1 as New Year’s Day.
The declaration was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. He also added that Nigerians should celebrate the holidays in faith and pray for the nation.
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