Tinubu Harps On Global Collaboration As Chinese President Pledges $50Bn Aid
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has called for global collaboration to stimulate growth and development of nations.
Tinubu made the call while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday in Beijing, China.
He explained that cooperation was key to solving global challenges, adding that the China-Africa partnership was built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale called for the sustenance of the momentum of cooperation, and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution in deepening the bond between Africa and China.
He expressed hope that the partnership would continue to benefit both regions as it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
“The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasizes the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together and joining hands and looking for win-win solutions, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.
“At the heart of China-Africa relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum. Peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution remain at the forefront of our efforts.
“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continues to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come. The partnership is not only about shared history. It is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
“Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations,” the President said.
He highlighted the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China, with trade reaching an estimated $280 billion, and expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure goals.
In his remarks, President Xi Jinping announced $50 billion in financial support for the continent, in addition to military aid.
President Xi said China appreciates its ties with African nations and that China and Africa should rally their populations together to become a powerful force and write a new chapter in global peace, prosperity, and progress.
The Chinese leader also pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries while proposing partnership actions to jointly advance modernization with Africa.
According to President Xi, the 10 actions, to be implemented in the next three years, cover areas of mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green economic development and common security.
