Nigeria, China reaffirm strategic partnership at BRICS, UN security council

Nigeria and China have solidified their commitment to deepening cooperation on a global scale, particularly at the United Nations (UN), Group of G20, and BRICS.

Both countries made the commitment during a high-level discussion between President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping as part of the Nigerian leader’s state visit to the Asian country.

Both countries have pledged to back each other’s efforts in multilateral affairs.

This includes advocating for UN Security Council reforms that would ensure balanced geographical representation, reflecting current geopolitical realities.

The two nations also agreed on the importance of human rights as a universal cause, opposing the politicization of human rights issues and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states under this pretext.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the discussion, Nigeria expressed strong support for several key initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI).

The two countries’ collaboration is rooted in shared principles and mutual interests, including global security, development, and the promotion of equitable international relations.

The initiatives also align with President Tinubu’s development agenda and his aspirations for regional and global integration.

China has acknowledged Nigeria’s significant role in enhancing regional peace, promoting democracy, good governance, and respecting the rights of citizens.

In this context, China has voiced support for West African countries in resolving differences through dialogue and consultations, while urging international actors to avoid turning the region into a ground for geopolitical competition.

Nigeria and China have also committed to enhancing their economic cooperation, guided by the Belt and Road Initiative and outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

This includes advancing high-level practical cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight Priority Agenda of the Nigerian Government.

China has encouraged Nigeria to expand its trade relations through various platforms, including the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).

Nigeria, in turn, is eager to strengthen its partnership with China in sectors like energy, mineral resources, and manufacturing.

This collaboration aims to meet both local consumption and export needs, contributing to the diversification and dynamic development of Nigeria’s economy.

The two countries have also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, such as digital economy, green development, and agricultural modernization, while fostering new growth drivers.

Nigeria has expressed appreciation for China’s efforts in promoting the rights of developing countries in the fields of artificial intelligence, network security, and data governance.

In the realm of security, China has praised Nigeria’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its efforts to stabilize the region.

Both nations have agreed to strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs, uphold the international system centered around the UN, and support a multipolar world that promotes peace, development, equity, and justice.

China has also committed to assisting Nigeria in enhancing its capacity to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

This includes upgrading military equipment and intelligence gathering capabilities, as well as strengthening cooperation between security agencies to safeguard national sovereignty and regional stability.

Both countries have committed to continuing their cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and sports.

They plan to build cultural brands like the China-Nigeria Culture Week and the China-Nigeria Film Festival, which will further strengthen the bond between their peoples.

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