President Bola Tinubu has said the relationship between Africa and China has transcended challenges and evolved into a robust collaboration in trade, investment, and diplomacy.
He stated this while addressing the gathering of global leaders at the opening ceremony of the ongoing meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the Chinese capital, Beijing on Thursday.
Tinubu celebrated the enduring partnership between Africa and China, which dates back to the early 1950s, expressing his gratitude to China’s unwavering support for African independence movements and noting how this early collaboration has grown into a “multifaceted partnership” benefiting both regions.
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Over the years, high-level engagements and strategic agreements have deepened the ties between the two continents, offering immense economic and developmental
President Tinubu highlighted the significant milestones that have defined the Africa-China partnership, particularly the establishment of confucius Institutes and cultural centers across Africa, which have fostered mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
He also hailed the creation of FOCAC in 2000 as a pivotal moment that cemented economic ties and accelerated mutual progress.
Despite global economic and geopolitical challenges, Tinubu emphasized that the Africa-China partnership has remained “firm and resolute.”
The Nigerian leader praised the impressive growth in trade between the two regions, which has surged to an estimated $280 billion, showcasing the depth of their economic integration.
A key point in Tinubu’s address was the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Africa’s infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
He noted that the synergy between these initiatives promises greater success and shared prosperity. Tinubu lauded the success of FOCAC, stressing that global progress is not a zero-sum game, and through cooperation, Africa and China can unlock unprecedented levels of growth and development.
President Tinubu also emphasized the importance of trust, mutual respect, and shared goals in Africa-China relations.
As the partnership moves forward, he called for the continuation of peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution.
These values, he noted, are essential to ensuring that the bond between Africa and China continues to grow and benefit future generations.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to working with China for a prosperous future.
He expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their dedication to the partnership, describing it as one of the most significant alliances of the modern era.
He urged both regions to seize the opportunities ahead, believing that continued collaboration will lead to shared success, progress, and prosperity for Africa.
