China boosts investments in electricity generation, digital economy, transport infrastructure –VP Shettima

*Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting in Beijing, discloses Chinese President Xi Jinping supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Manifesto and his 8-point economic agenda with increased investments in power generation and digital economy

*Nigeria is developing with big potential. I totally agree with you, says Xi Jinping, Chinese President

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In continuation of the countries’ economic relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima at a bilateral meeting in Beijing, China.

Shettima during the meeting, said the Chinese President pledged increased investments in power generation and digital economy in the West African country, and called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria.

Stanley Nkwocha, Media aide to the Vice-President stated Jinping also assured Nigeria, that China would enhance political support and build cooperation in all fields.

Nkwocha noted the Chinese President equally appreciated the country’s support of one China Policy.

The statement said: Pledging to further deepen practical cooperations, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda.

“That China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China–Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.”

Shettima also noted that “in the area of security, President Jinping promised continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military trainings and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.

“Mr. Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you.

“Nigeria is developing with big potential. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading.”

Refinancing, completion of Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways

Aside from the boost in investments in power generation and digital economy, China has equally indicated its readiness to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano, and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, following a formal request by President Tinubu.

Jinping disclosed this development at the meeting in Beijing while receiving Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on the sidelines of the ongoing Third Belt and Road Forum in the Asian country.

Vice-President Shettima, speaking at the meeting with Jinping earlier, had delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971, and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership.

“But we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.”

The Nigerian Vice-President further stated: “When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit, I was very honest and upright with you.

“Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting, why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity.

“You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, we thus appreciate your friendship.”

Kindly Share This Story