By Jennifer Yusuf
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have have described Nigeria as a major country with important influence,
Noting that China attaches great importance to Nigeria’s status and role on the international stage.
Wang Yi stated this Wednesday during a phone conversation with his Nigerian counterpart, Goeffrey Onyeama, the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Yi reiterated China’s resolve to always develop China-Nigeria relations from a strategic and long-term perspective,
He expressed firm support for President Buhari in leading Nigerians to develop their economy and improve people’s livelihood and maintain national security, peace and stability in Africa and the world.
The Chinese foreign minister said, after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandamic, China and Nigeria have supported and helped each other.
“China provided Nigeria with anti-epidemic materials and shared its experience in epidemic prevention. Chinese companies and private institutions have also spontaneously provided Nigerians with different supplies. The friendship and mutual trust between China and Nigeria have been promoted and strengthened in the joint fight against the epidemic”. He said.
He noted that China was willing to continue to provide help and support for Nigeria’s fight against the epidemic until it finally overcomes the epidemic.
Wang Yi emphasized that at present, the research and development and use of vaccines have attracted widespread international attention, and some powerful countries are seizing the market and even trying to monopolize resources, which has placed developing countries are at a disadvantage.
He emphasized that China was committed to making the COVID-19 vaccine a public product after successful research and development to provide assistance to developing countries including African countries.
“China will continue to promote this process and strengthen vaccine cooperation with Africa” He said.
Wang Yi also noted that for a period of time, the United States and other forces have continued to instigate China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations, but this he said will never succeed.
*China’s friendly tradition with African countries including Nigeria has withstood the test of time and the international situation.
It has a brotherly friendship and will certainly be able to withstand any interference. We will continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and safeguard the common interests of developing countries”. He said.
Responding, Onyeama said that Nigeria values China’s important role in international affairs and thanked the Chinese government and people for their generous support and assistance the close unity and brotherly friendship between Nigeria and China.
He agreed with Yi that When it comes to vaccines, developing countries including Africa were indeed at a disadvantage, noting that the Nigerian side highly appreciates China’s commitment to allowing vaccines to be provided as an international public good.
This Onyeama said is a demonstration of China’s demeanor and global vision.
“Nigeria-China relations and friendship are built on a solid foundation of mutual trust, long-term friendship, can withstand the test of time, and will not be interfered by any external factors” He said.
The two sides also exchanged views on the World Trade Organization and other issues of mutual interest
