At the invitation President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, paid an Official Visit to Nigeria from 6-8 May, 2014.
During the visit, Premier Li Keqiang held Bilateral Talks with President Jonathan. The two sides had an indepth exchange of views on Nigeria –China and China – Africa relations as well as on other issues of common interest. They charted the course of future closer cooperation in various fields.
They also reviewed the achievements recorded in their co-operation in the field of economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, culture and education. They expressed satisfaction with the level of progress attained in the afore-mentioned sectors.
They further noted that 2015 will be the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries, and resolved to mark the 10th Anniversary to further deepen their political relations, promote pragmatic cooperation in key fields, strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs, and make unremitting efforts to develop closer partnership between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges of visits at all levels, including between governments, political parties and legislatures in order to promote mutual understanding and trust. The Nigerian side reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy while the Chinese side expressed firm support for Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and in promoting economic development.
Both sides regarded each other’s development as a new opportunity to further expand bilateral cooperation. They committed themselves to deepening cooperation in traditional fields and, on that basis, to keep opening up new avenues for cooperation. They pledged to intensify efforts to jointly upgrade strategic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The two sides agreed to encourage their national companies to further deepen cooperation in infrastructure development, especially the railways, power plants and airports.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to resolve bilateral trade facilitation and address issues arising therefrom (if any) through dialogue, in order to strengthen quality and inspection control for the promotion of their bilateral trade. The two sides also acknowledged the need to take concrete steps to address the issue of trade imbalance.
The two sides agreed that the economic cooperation zones established by Chinese enterprises in Nigeria have achieved positive progress. The Chinese side would continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in various fields of the Nigerian economy. The Nigerian side would implement its commitment to provide preferential policies consistent with existing international agreements signed by both countries and to offer supporting facilities to the economic cooperation zones.
The two sides reaffirmed support for the financial institutions of their two countries for cooperation in on-lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Both sides agreed that the Central Banks of the two countries would promote local currency settlement to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in agro-technical training, seed multiplication and processing of agricultural produce. They would further deepen three-way agricultural cooperation within the framework of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and make contribution to poverty reduction and food security in Nigeria.
Both sides commended the positive role of the communication satellite project in promoting the development of Nigeria, and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in satellite technology. The two sides consider the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in the field of aviation.
Both parties agreed to take further steps to strengthen bilateral consular and judicial cooperation, and implement the agreement between the two countries on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, so as to facilitate and promote people – to- people exchanges, and protect, in accordance with the law, the rights and interests of their citizens and agencies who live and operate in each other’s country.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of defence and security, and strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, and combating organized crimes.
Both sides agreed that, as members of the UN Security Council, they would continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the Council. They expressed their resolve to strengthen coordination and cooperation in African peace and security affairs. The Nigerian side expressed appreciation for China’s efforts to actively participate in the mediation of hot spot issues in Africa.
The two sides consider Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership as an important component of the new type of China-Africa Strategic Partnership. They spoke highly of their traditional friendships and believed that China-Africa cooperation has become a model of cooperation among developing countries. They agreed to promote all-round concrete cooperation in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, finance, human resources development, cultural exchanges, and environmental protection.
The two sides look forward to positive outcomes of the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to be held in 2015. Nigeria and China will intensify consultations and coordination to make positive contribution to a successful outcome of the Conference.
Joint statement between Nigeria and China
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