Tinubu meets Chinese Premier, Says Africa a place for investment, growth, development

Eric Patrick

President Bola Tinubu has said that Africa holds vast opportunities for investments, growth, and development with its vibrant population, productive economy, and natural resources.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting on Wednesday in Beijing, China, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Tinubu commended the role of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in advancing partnership between Africa and China for mutual development and prosperity.

This was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale and shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

The Premier stated that China is ready to work with Nigeria to deliver on the mutual understanding reached by President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu under the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The statement read, ''The African spirit for FOCAC is based upon mutual respect and partnership that promotes development, happiness, peace, and stability for our people. We are in this journey together. We believe that we share common interests, which are investments and development.

''For me, as a Nigerian and as Chairman of ECOWAS, I am happy that the strategic partnership being promoted is acceptable to both sides and this is the way to go."

Tinubu also called for a strategic focus on areas of collaboration that will ensure the relationship remains mutually beneficial.

He said, "Africa is a huge opportunity for economic development. As great people, we are willing to partner for progress and development.

"What is most important will be the focus of FOCAC in areas on which we can collaborate to make the relationship mutually beneficial to all of us."

Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation by the Chinese government.