Tinubu, Jinping pledge to advance trade, economic devt. Programmes

President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday in Beijing, China, pledged to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries to advance trade and economic development programmes. The two leaders also promised to elevate the Nigeria-China ties to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership, by building a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future. This was the outcome of talks between the two leaders during President Tinubu's ongoing official visit to China, the President's spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement. 'This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high-level of honour accorded to us. 'Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes. 'Nigeria holds great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and is the b iggest economy with a very young population that can drive economic growth and cross-sectoral programmes,' said Tinubu. He explained that the two countries had upgraded the relationship to more than just being strategic - but a comprehensive developmental partnership. 'This comprehensive strategic partnership should result in robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region. This is very crucial,' the President said. During the meeting, both Presidents witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on various areas of mutual interest. The MoUs included cooperation plan between Nigeria and China to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative and cooperation in peaceful application of nuclear energy. See also Oil theft: Group lauds military's onslaught against oil thieves Others are: strengthening cooperation on human resource development under the Global Development Initiative, media exchange and cooperation, and a separate MoU between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority. Source: News Agency of Nigeria