The consul general of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, says China will remain committed to strengthening cooperation with Africa in the face of global instability.

Ms Yuqing stated this on Monday in Lagos at a reception to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of China and the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

She reaffirmed China’s African policy anchored on sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the pursuit of the greater good and shared interests.

The envoy said China would continue to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen strategic coordination, jointly address global challenges and make greater contributions to the development of the global South.

Ms Yuqing commended members of the Chinese community within her consular district for their role in advancing China-Nigeria friendship through investments, job creation and cultural exchanges.

“With the vigorous promotion of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, local exchanges, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people engagements have become increasingly vibrant.

“In collaboration with Chinese enterprises and academic communities, we have continued to advance the ‘Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light’ public welfare initiative. This initiative reflects China’s contribution to Nigeria’s poverty alleviation and hunger eradication efforts,” she said.

She explained that the consulate was guided by the principle of “diplomacy for the people”, working closely with Nigerian authorities to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.

The consul general also expressed hope for greater cultural exchanges, saying, “We look forward to more Nigerian friends learning about China, visiting China and falling in love with China.”

Also speaking, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat congratulated the president and people of China on the occasion.

Mr Hamzat said that Lagos cherished its long-standing relationship with China, which had produced partnerships across key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and trade.

According to him, these collaborations have contributed significantly to building a resilient and competitive Lagos.

He recalled joint ventures between Chinese investors and the Lagos government, noting that such initiatives had generated jobs, fostered industrial growth and strengthened cultural and economic ties between both sides.

Mr Hamzat said the state looked forward to expanding cooperation in areas such as green energy, smart city development, capacity building and cultural exchanges to promote sustainable development.

The deputy governor emphasised that Lagos drew inspiration from China’s remarkable transformation and would continue to nurture mutual respect and shared prosperity in its dealings with China.

The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, commended China’s leadership role in maintaining global peace.

Mr Obasa said that China had been able to maintain peace by consistently advocating sovereign international conflict resolution through peaceful methods such as negotiations, consultations and dialogue rather than military intervention.

He urged the government of China to continue its efforts toward ensuring the world becomes a more habitable and peaceful place for all.

Also, Jafaru Yakubu, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Relations, expressed the 10th assembly’s commitment to strengthening China-Nigeria ties.

He said this would be achieved through sustained legislative support, parliamentary diplomacy and policy innovation.

“Let us continue to draw strength from our diversity, wisdom from our shared experiences, and hope from our common aspirations,” he said. 

(NAN)