By Othuke Evroh
Ambassador Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has called for greater partnership and cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, following the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speaking on Tuesday, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, in a special event organized by China Media Group on the theme; “Written in the Sky: My China Story”, to mark the 75th independence anniversary of China, the ambassador stated that he witnessed the signing of many cooperation documents between President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu in the just concluded 9th Summit of FOCAC.
”Our two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This opens a new era in our bilateral relations, maps out a new blueprint for our cooperation and injects new impetus into the Global South solidarity”, he said.
He noted that ”China shares a long-standing friendship with Nigeria. Over the half century, our relations have stood the taste of time and gone from strength to strength, setting a role model for China-Africa relations”.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai also hihhlighted the ten partnership actions that China would take with Africa to advance modernization in the next three years.
“At the opening ceremony of the FOCAC, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, announced ten partnership actions that China would take with Africa to advance modernization in the next three years, covering areas of mutual learning among civilization, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people exchanges, green development and common security”, he stated.
“I believe China and the 53 African strategic partners, standing shoulder to shoulder will play a greater role in improving the well-being of the Chinese and the African people and safeguarding world peace and prosperity”, he continued.
Also speaking at the event, Hon Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, stated that the theme “Written in the Sky; My China Story”, aptly shows the numerous impact the People’s Republic of China has had on numerous individuals across the world.
“As an ardent lover of the People’s Republic of China for many years and now in my capacity as the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable progress that China and Nigeria have made together. Our partnership is one of mutual respect, cooperation and shared prosperity. China’s investment in Nigeria and the continent of Africa at large has been instrumental in driving economic growth, creating jobs and improving infrastructure”.
“Furthermore, China’s commitment to cultural exchange and People-People diplomacy has been invaluable. By fostering understanding and friendship between our people, we are building a stronger foundation for our partnership”, he declared.
“The “Written in the Sky; My China Story” initiative is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people from different cultures”, he noted.
”As we move forward, I believe that it is essential to continue to strengthen the China-Nigeria partnership. By working together, we can address the challenges facing our continent and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all”, he stated.
It is significant to state that China’s 75th independence anniversary highlights not only how the People’s Republic of China has transformed from the once impoverish, weak and oppressed nation to a new Sino China of great rejuvenation and abundant prosperity but also how the Chinese have aided economic prosperity across the different continents of the world, particularly Africa, through the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI), Cultural exchanges, People-to-people friendships and a shared future.
Shen Haixiong the Vice Minister of the publicity Department of the CPC central committee, president and editor in chief of the China Media Group addressed the gathering via video message.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the occasion includes: The representative of the honorable minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Chris Isiguzor, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Paul Tembe founder and director of SELE Encounters, Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies and Analytics, South Africa and Sammy Nyatota, Director of KEDA DBS School in Kenya.
Highlight of the event was a video broadcast, “My China Story” compilation of stories from Africa; CMG documentary: “Close Friends Across Continents” and martial arts performance by Abuja Martial Arts Team
