Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the volume of trade between Nigeria and China which stands at $22.6bn as one of the highest in Africa.
This is even as the number two citizen canvassed constant improvement of relations between the two nations, maintaining that the two countries are friends and have sustained mutual respect and honour for each other.
Shettima made this known recently in Abuja when he received a delegation from China led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhang Qingwei at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Expressing satisfaction with the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, the Vice President 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 per cent every year.
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“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop 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; we respect you and we cherish our relationship.”
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 the Vice President.
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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.
Shettima assured the delegation that Nigeria supports the One China policy.
