The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing has restated the Chinese government commitment to strengthening relationships with Nigeria especially in bilateral relations.

Yuqing, who disclosed this at the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration Event, stated that over the past 52 years, China and Nigeria have deepened exchanges and cooperation in various fields at all levels, based on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

According to her, the anniversaries hold significant and special meanings to Chinese people.

She said: “It is a great pleasure to gather here on the occasion of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association in Nigeria (CICEA).

“This year marks the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Since the establishment of New China, especially since the reform and opening up, China has achieved an industrialisation process that took developed Western countries hundreds of years to accomplish in just a few decades. It has created two remarkable miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, opening up broad prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

“Looking back, we have pursued our dreams for 74 years, transforming China from a ‘latecomer to modernisation’ into a ‘growth pole of global modernisation.’ Looking ahead, we are filled with confidence that the path is feasible and steady.”

The Consular General noted that the two nations will continue to work together to achieve the beautiful dreams of China and Nigeria.

“We are pleased to see that projects involving Chinese companies, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos Blue Line Light Rail, and Lagos-Ibadan Railway, have promoted local economic and social development. Confucius Institutes have increasingly become a prominent platform for the dissemination of Chinese culture and the deepening of China-Nigeria friendship.

“Our people have also formed deep friendships. We believe that as long as the two nations continue to work together, they will undoubtedly achieve the beautiful dreams of China and Nigeria.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind, the sincere and friendly policy towards African nations, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

“Despite the current world entering a period of turbulence and multiple crises, regardless of the changing situations, we must anchor ourselves to the central tasks of the new era and firmly grasp the requirements of our time for unity and struggle. We must pursue our established goals and push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with unwavering determination.”

Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima said that with China’s support, Nigeria’s socio-economic development has improved significantly.

The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Steel Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, said: “Your choice to be here and even host us at this event, emphasises the depth of our connection as long-standing development partners.

We join you in marking your national pride, as impressed witnesses to the journey towards prosperity, progress and national rejuvenation.”

Speaking on the alignment between the two countries, the VP said: “Our profound partnership is a true reflection of the comprehensive bilateral relations that we share across all the domains of the economy and life. This alignment stems from the strategic positioning within our respective continents, our formidable political and economic influence and our substantial population strength.

“These factors engender mutually beneficial opportunities for the exchange of cultural affinities, understanding and cooperation between our two great nations. Today, we stand united more as we have for decades, to renew and strengthen the bonds of this strategic partnership, which have grown even more robust over the past half century.

“Today, we stand at the threshold of even greater collaboration between our nations. Thanks to you, the Chinese community in Nigeria played a critical role in laying the foundation for continued strategic cooperation. We look forward to deepening our ties across all weathers as we have over the decades.

“A strong sense of collective national pride is a pathway to order. Order is a pathway to development. This is why we must celebrate occasions that bring people together, whether as a nation or a comity of nations, so, the task ahead is not one that an individual can undertake; it necessitates the collective efforts of all.

“I implore politicians, traditional and religious leaders, the academic community, the media, private sector leaders and our compatriots in the diaspora to come together and chart the course towards forging an egalitarian Nigeria, where the progress and development of our nation are embraced as our common objectives.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association, Dr Eric Ni assured that the Chinese community in Nigeria will continue to contribute to the development of the country.

On his part, Director-General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said the council will “serve as a catalyst for consolidating and sustaining China-Nigeria bilateral business, cultural and diplomatic relations for many more years.”