By John Okeke
The Consul General , Consulate General of Nigeria in Shaghai , His Excellency . Chimezie Okeoma Ogu has affirmed that the African continent has benefitted a lot under Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC).
The envoy who spoke at Jiangsu-Africa Cooperation Conference and China Africa local Government Cooperation Forum held on 12th October, 2021, Nantong with this year theme: Unity and Cooperation, Seeks Common Development and Work Together to Build a Closer China-Africa Community with a Shared Future” said Africa is a reliable friend and partner of China.
“The Government and the People of China have done very well within the platform of FOCAC. The cooperation between both sides have witnessed tremendous cooperation, building of unity and understanding between both sides.
“Africa as a continent has benefited a lot within mechanism of FOCAC and lots of goodwill in the area of infrastructure development from the Chinese side,” he said.
The envoy who said Africa appreciates China, however, noted that there are gaps that need to be closed by both sides.
He said ,” as I especially invite the Government of Jiangsu Province and businessmen to increase their presence by investing more in African contenient in the win-win cooperation. The need to close this gap calls for both sides to increase our mutual interaction in the area of business investment.
“Both sides need to develop a strong bond and also a network of honest and sincere communication in our bilateral engagements both in the public and private sector to achieve our common goals.
“Honesty and sincerity are an essential ingredient in the growth and progress of friendly countries with shared values, visions and expectations,” he said.
According to the , Consul General, China needs to carry Africa as an abiding trusted alley in all its bilateral and multilateral engagements, adding ” In as much as Africa needs China in its quest for development, China also needs Africa’s support in the area of global politics with the United Nations.”
He said,” very importantly, China needs to unite with Africa and carry her in its multi-lateral aspirations in world polities. It can only realize this, by assuring Africa of its sincerity to assist the continent by providing the best of modern infrastructure needs and demands of our people.”
“In this way, a better perception, understanding and knowledge of the true spirit of Chinese fraternity with Africa will be understood in the context of our continental framework of FOCAC,” the envoy added.
