President Bola Tinubu has praised the growing economic partnership between Africa and China, with trade between the two regions now estimated at $280 billion.
The Nigerian leader made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China.
Tinubu noted that despite global challenges, the partnership has remained strong and highlighted the need to sustain this momentum to further deepen the collaboration for the mutual benefit of both regions.
“A landmark of our relationship came in the year 2000 with the establishment of the FOCAC. This platform has been pivotal in strengthening our economic ties and reaffirming our commitment to mutual progress,” Tinubu said.
“Despite the global challenges we faced, whether the economy or geographical, our partnership has stood firm, resolute and offering a powerful example of what can be achieved through respect for sovereignty and none interference.
“One of the highlights of this collaboration has been the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China has grown exponentially reaching an estimated 280 billion US dollars.
“These impressive figures speaks volumes about the strength of our economic relationship and expanding the integration of our market.”
Since Saturday, leaders and their delegations from across Africa have been arriving in Beijing, keeping President Xi Jinping engaged in bilateral meetings throughout the week.
During the summit, Xi committed over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years, vowing to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and trade with the continent. He made this announcement at Beijing’s largest summit since the pandemic.
According to state media, more than 50 African leaders, along with UN Secretary General António Guterres, are participating in this week’s China-Africa forum.