- China Indicates Readiness To Refinance Key Railway Projects
- President Tinubu Reiterates Commitment To Stronger Nigeria – China Tie
Nigeria and China have restated their joint commitment to deepening development between the two countries.
The Matrix reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Nigeria on Sunday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, China, which took place from Oct. 16 to 18, 2023 alongside world leaders from over 130 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America to deliberate on the theme, “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Xi Jinping’s proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative and his proposal of the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as part of China-Africa policy. Over the past decade, Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa has shown great vitality, and a large number of landmark projects have been completed. There have been many highlights in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Nigeria.
Many cooperation projects including railways, ports, power stations and communications backbone networks have been completed in succession, and remarkable achievements have been made in the development of free trade areas. China is ready to continue working with Nigeria to push for more tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation and help Nigeria and Africa realize industrialization and agricultural modernization.
At the event, the vice president availed Nigeria of the platform provided by the forum to woo investors for more developmental projects.
Speaking during the meeting, Xi Jinping stressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria more than half a century ago, the two countries have always adhered to the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Facing a world fraught with changes and turbulence, he disclosed that China and Nigeria need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever.
He noted that China supports Nigeria in pursuing a path to modernization suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to enhance personnel exchanges at all levels with Nigeria to advance high-quality practical cooperation. China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and would like to strengthen strategic coordination with Nigeria to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
The Chinese President also indicated readiness to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano, and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects following a request by President Bola Tinubu.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, recalling that since the launch of the projects, China has yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments.
“China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from the inception of the project through appropriations.
“The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractor named to execute the project,” he stated.
Shettima who delivered Tinubu’s well-wishes described the rail projects as vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.
He said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, adding that it was laden with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperation.
“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership, but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China,” Shettima was quoted as saying.
“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit, I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity.
“You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique, to the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, and we thus appreciate your friendship.”
In the area of security, President Jinping promised a continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military training and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.
Responding, President Jinping said China is committed to peace.
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly, Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and uphold allies’ commitments,” he said.
“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potential. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading.”
Shettima congratulated China on successfully hosting the third BRF. He noted that Nigeria and China are good friends who have shared weal and woe and supported each other in times of difficulties. China has always treated Nigeria and other African countries with respect and as equals; it has never bossed them around and has done its best to support the African people in seeking independence and development.
He thanked China for proposing a series of important global cooperation initiatives for developing countries, providing valuable assistance for Nigeria’s development, and boosting the industrialization process of Nigeria and Africa at large.
He stressed that Nigeria attaches great importance to growing relations with China, unswervingly pursues the one-China policy and remains firmly committed to the high-level development of Nigeria-China relations while stressing Nigeria’s readiness to further deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China and lift Nigeria-China relations to a new level.
