We want Chinese and Nigerians to understand themselves ―Envoy

THE Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr Chao Xiaoliang, on Thursday restated his government’s commitment to strengthening mutual understanding between Nigeria and China.

Chao gave the reassurance at the Consulate’s premises in Lagos, while welcoming a Delegation of Nigerian Journalists that recently visited Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou cities in China.

The consul-general reminded members of the delegation that the visit to the Chinese cities was to further acquaint them with the culture and lifestyles of the Chinese people.

“Let me, on behalf of my colleagues here at the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, welcome you all from your visits to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

“You have interacted with Chinese people, and have seen the high-speed socio-economic and political developments in China.

“You have seen things for yourselves in China, and now, you can tell Nigerians of the receptiveness, warmness and friendliness of the Chinese people to Nigerians.

“We really want to strengthen better understanding between many more Nigerians and the Chinese people,’’ he said.

Chao expressed optimism that stimulating an understanding between the people would strengthen both countries’ areas of cooperation in the years ahead.

The consulate’s Deputy Consul-General, Mr Guan Zhongqi, also said that it was imperative for the Chinese and Nigerians to understand themselves in strengthening the Win-Win Cooperation between the two nations.

Guan said that a better understanding between Chinese and Nigerians would promote trade and investment, educational and other cultural exchange programmes between the two countries.

The deputy consul-general enjoined members of the delegation, to bring about through their news reports and feature stories, more understanding of China and the Chinese people to Nigeria and Nigerians.