By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and technology.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this during a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement by Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the meeting focused on strengthening the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Enikanolaiye reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Policy and appreciated China’s support for Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
He also highlighted the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for eligible Nigerian exports, saying it would create opportunities for Nigerian products to access the Chinese market, promote value addition and generate jobs.
“China’s continued partnership remains important as Nigeria works towards achieving sustainable economic growth,” the minister said.
The Chinese ambassador Yu Dunhai says the zero-tariff policy had contributed to an increase in Nigerian exports to China.
“Following the introduction of the Zero Tariff Policy, exports from Nigeria to China have increased by over 88 per cent,” Yu Dunhai said.
He also encourages Nigeria to pursue membership of the World Artificial Intelligence Organization, describing it as an opportunity to advance cooperation in emerging technologies.
Both countries agreed to sustain high-level consultations and explore new areas of collaboration in science, technology, digital economy and regional security.
The meeting comes as Nigeria and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations.
