By Michael Onjewu, Abuja.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Friday hosted an elegant reception at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The event gathered notable figures, including Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, state governors, ministers, ambassadors, and leaders from the diplomatic community, alongside both Chinese and Nigerian nationals.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai, in his opening address, emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Nigeria since they established diplomatic ties in 1971. He noted that the two nations have seen strengthened high-level engagements, enhanced political trust, and deepened people-to-people exchanges, resulting in productive cooperation across various sectors.
“China-Nigeria high-level relations are pivotal to China-Africa cooperation,” Ambassador Yu stated, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a key partner. He noted that Nigeria is China’s largest project contracting market, the second-largest export market, and a significant investment destination in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching $22.5 billion in 2023.
Yu pointed out that the collaboration between the two nations has yielded significant results in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and the green economy, benefiting both Chinese and Nigerian citizens and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He also stated that President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will usher in a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“Moving forward, we aim to collaboratively develop more roads, railways, airports, power grids, and communication networks, ensuring these projects benefit your communities and hometowns,” Yu added.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas praised China’s remarkable evolution since its establishment in 1949, noting its transformation into a global leader.
“The advancements in economic growth, technological innovation, and social development are remarkable. China has transitioned from a predominantly agrarian society to the world’s second-largest economy, showcasing resilience and visionary leadership,” he said.
In congratulating the People’s Republic of China on its milestone anniversary, Speaker Abbas reiterated the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering cooperation between the two countries. He stressed the need for a legislative framework to support the agreements made during the 2024 FOCAC summit.
The celebration included vibrant performances, featuring displays from Zhengzhou’s Shaolin Kungfu and traditional Quju and Yuju operas, highlighting China’s rich cultural heritage.
The People’s Republic of China was officially declared on October 1, 1949, while diplomatic relations with Nigeria were established in 1971.
See photos below:
