By Chesa Chesa
China has promised to support Nigeria in her leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in the fight against terrorism.
According to a joint statement issued by both nations, China commended Nigeria’s efforts in bringing stability to the region and pledged to support its leadership role in managing differences and combating terrorism.
The joint statement was made on Tuesday after a meeting of leaders of both countries; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing.
President Tinubu is in China on the invitation of President Xi for a state visit, which will be followed by the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The joint statement detailed the critical components of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership achieved through several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations during the meeting on Tuesday.
Among other things, both countries agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promoting a multi-polar world with inclusive economic globalization.
China also offered to support Nigeria’s capacity building, including upgrading its military equipment and intelligence-gathering expertise, to effectively respond to security challenges at home, regionally, and internationally.
The joint statement emphasized the commitment of both nations to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region, including the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.
Additionally, China and Nigeria agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between security agencies to enhance their capacity to protect national sovereignty and security interests and maintain regional and global peace.
