- Seeks stronger ties
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Beijing, China, highlighted the critical role of global collaboration in achieving collective progress and prosperity.
In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, it was noted that President Tinubu made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday.
The statement said that Tinubu praised the China-Africa partnership as a model for sustainable development and shared prosperity. He highlighted the partnership’s visionary approach and its potential to foster exceptional growth and development for both Africa and China.
He asserted that global challenges can be addressed through cooperation, emphasising that the China-Africa partnership is founded on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to common objectives.
Tinubu expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to benefit both regions as it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
He stated, “The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasises the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together, joining hands, and looking for win-win solutions, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.
“At the heart of China-Africa relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum. Peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution remain at the forefront of our efforts.
“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continues to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come. The partnership is not only about shared history. It is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
“Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations.”
Tinubu congratulated the earlier speakers, particularly FOCAC co-chair President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, for their contributions to the partnership.
He acknowledged the significant milestones achieved through this collaboration, including China’s steadfast support for Africa via financial aid, developmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000.
The President also highlighted how the partnership has remained strong despite global challenges, emphasising its role as a powerful example of achieving success through mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Furthermore, Tinubu underscored the flourishing economic relationship between Africa and China, with trade reaching approximately $280 billion.
He expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure development goals, anticipating continued progress and collaboration.
In his address, President Xi Jinping announced a $50 billion financial aid package for Africa, alongside additional military assistance.
He expressed China’s appreciation for its relationship with African nations and called for both China and Africa to unite their populations to forge a strong partnership and contribute to a new era of global peace, prosperity, and progress.
The statement read in part, “The Chinese leader also pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries while proposing partnership actions to jointly advance modernisation with Africa.
“According to President Xi, the 10 actions, to be implemented in the next three years, cover areas of mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture, and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green economic development, and common security.
“To implement the 10 partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion Yuan of financial support through the next three years.
“This breaks down into RMB210 billion Yuan of credit lines, RMB80 billion Yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion Yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.
“In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.”
Also, President Tinubu has called on global leaders to embrace multilateralism and reject protectionism as essential steps towards achieving lasting peace, security, and stability.
President Tinubu addressed a high-level meeting on peace and security at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Thursday in Beijing, China, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The President noted that the challenges facing today’s world—ranging from food insecurity to armed conflict—can only be addressed through partnerships founded on mutual respect, fairness, and inclusiveness.
”I thank the African Union for being very consistent in their advocacy for global peace and working towards the realization of its vision for a peaceful and secure Africa as articulated in Agenda 2063.
”The AU’s silencing the guns initiative has been pivotal in restoring peace across the continent and re-enforcing the call for global peace.
”Your Excellencies, as the world searches for new ways of establishing an enduring peace amidst complicated and dynamic security challenges across regions, I say that there is an urgent need to rethink the approach to global governance and economic development.
”Embracing multilateralism and rejecting protectionism and strengthening cooperative partnership is essential if we must achieve lasting peace, security, stability, and prosperity for future generations.
”We have very little time left and I send sincere appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for its unwavering commitment to building a shared future for the advancement of humanity,” the President said.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, good governance, and security across West Africa while commending China’s contributions to Africa’s development through initiatives like the Belt and Road and FOCAC.
He also highlighted the importance of confronting the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice, emphasizing that true peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, economic opportunity, and human security.
”Nigeria has played a pivotal role in ECOWAS evolution. Throughout the bloc’s transition from an economic bloc to integrated regional security architecture for West Africa, Nigeria has been at the forefront.
”Nigeria’s leadership has been critical in developing mechanisms for conflict resolution and management.
”ECOWAS remains deeply committed to upholding good governance, combating terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive peacekeeping, diplomacy, and mediation.
”Nigeria’s approach to fostering peace and stability in West Africa is comprehensive, combining military intervention, diplomatic engagement, dialogue, negotiations, and mutually-beneficial economic collaboration.
”Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace building has solidified its position as a cornerstone of regional stability. We will continue to strengthen our efforts in support of a more secure and prosperous West Africa. I assure you,” the President stated.
