In a significant diplomatic move, President Bola Tinubu has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China in September. The invitation, delivered by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong, at the Aso Villa on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria-China relations.
This visit aims to bolster the already robust Nigeria-China bilateral relations. According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed optimism that the visit would enhance economic cooperation, particularly through the proposed currency swap agreement.
Adding a personal touch to the diplomatic mission, the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, has also been invited to join the entourage. Chen Xiaodong highlighted that President Xi would warmly welcome her during the visit, indicating the high level of respect and hospitality expected.
The state visit is anticipated to cover a wide range of topics:
Trade and Investment: Exploring opportunities to increase trade volume and mutual investments.
Infrastructure Development: Discussing ongoing and future infrastructure projects that China has been significantly involved in within Nigeria.
Economic Cooperation: Delving into the details of the proposed currency swap agreement and other economic initiatives.
Mutual Interests: Identifying and strategizing on other areas of mutual interest that can benefit both nations.
China has been a crucial partner in Nigeria’s development, especially in infrastructure projects like railways, roads, and power plants. This invitation underscores the importance of the relationship between the two countries and the potential for further collaboration.
