The Nigerian government has signed an agreement with China to establish an intergovernmental committee to coordinate the agreements between both countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama during a meeting on Tuesday with the Chinese Envoy, Wang Yi discussed issues relating to Nigeria-China relations.
Several issues such as railway, education, prisoner-exchange programme, access to vaccines for Nigeria as well as health were discussed.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of a direct flight between both countries which according to the minister the discussion has gone to an advanced stage.
Onyeama while lauding the establishment of the committee, noted that the decision by his Chinese counterpart to visit Nigeria first was a reflection of the importance which China attached to her relationship with Nigeria.
He pointed out that China had contributed greatly to the successes recorded in the priority areas of the current administration as declared by President Muhammadu Buhari, which include infrastructure development, economic diversification and job creation.
“He is on a five country tour of Africa and has selected Nigeria to be the first country that he visits, this is not a coincidence, it is a deliberate decision that reflects the importance that they attach to the relationship between both countries.
“This visit by the State Councillor is a very important one, we have held discussions and we agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on establishing an inter-governmental Committee that will be in charge of coordinating all aspects of cooperation between the two countries in many areas in many sectors in which we are cooperating with the Chinese.”
At the end of the talks the Chinese government through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced a donation to Nigeria of 100 million Renminbis, the Chinese local currency which we reckon to be roughly 50 million dollars or 6 billion Naira,” he said.
Also giving an account of the closed door meeting, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi who spoke through an interpreter, said that the traditional friendships between Nigeria and China neded to be advanced.
He corroborated that both countries had agreed to set up intergovernmental committee that will synergise Chinese new developments, deepen cooperation and advance key projects to support more rapid industrialisation in Nigeria.
“We will expand cooperation into new areas of digital and green economy to make development more diversified.
“Our two countries will continue to work closely on COVID-19 response and strongly support each other to a final victory which is a cure.
“We will further engage in military and security cooperation to contribute Nigeria’s national security capacity building, we will also coordinate in regional and international affairs.
“We have every confidence that China-Nigeria strategic partnership will embrace and even brighter future, together we will make a great contribution to Africa’s peace and development for the stability and prosperity of the World,” he said.
Those in attendance include the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and the Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.
