from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – CHINA has lauded the election of a new administration in Nigeria as another opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The Asian powerhouse congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his election as the president-elect of the West African country after elections held last Saturday.
“It is believed that under the leadership of Mr Tinubu, Nigeria’s national development will continue to achieve new and greater achievements,” Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
Ning described Nigeria as an important strategic partner of China in Africa
“In recent years, China-Nigeria relations have developed rapidly, and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, which will benefit the two peoples,” the spokesperson said.
“China is willing to work hand in hand with the new Nigerian government to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, so as to push the China-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights,” Ning assured.
Tinubu is to succeed Muhammadu Buhari at the end of May.
China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1971.
Africa’s largest nation by population (219 million) has become an important source of oil and petroleum for China’s rapidly growing economy.
Nigeria has provided extensive economic, military and political support.
– CAJ News