The Interview Editors
President Muhammadu Buhari has thanked the People’s Republic of China for the role it is playing in the provision of infrastructure in Nigeria, without which he said, there could be no meaningful development.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving in audience Mr. Wang Yi, the State Councillor and Foreign Minister, People’s Republic of China.
In a statement signed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the president was quoted as pledging to honour Nigeria’s obligations in the relationship with the People’s Republic of China, as it is making a big difference in the area of infrastructure.
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He said, “We thank China for its support to us in various ways; in building of rail, road, power, defence, and many others. You are helping us to reduce our severe infrastructural deficits, and we are glad. There cannot be sustainable development without infrastructural development.”
Mr. Wang Yi applauded what he called the “mutual trust and sound personal friendship” between President Buhari and President Xi Jinping of China, noting that “it has guided the bilateral relationship between our two countries.”
He added that China loves to begin the year’s diplomatic work from Africa, and Nigeria was chosen as the first port of call in 2021, since the year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The State Councillor described Nigeria as a country with great regional and international influence, adding: “We trust, understand and support each other. We will continue to value each other.”
Mr. Yi said his country would encourage Chinese companies to increase their investments in Nigeria, while China would also readily share experience and techniques in areas like digital economy, defence, and many others.
