The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said that the over 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China has produced many outcomes of mutual benefits for both countries.
The Speaker, who acknowledged the significance of Chinese contributions to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria, stated this while addressing the Chinese delegation led by the ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency, Cui Jianchun, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday.
Speaker Abbas, while welcoming the Chinese delegation, noted the many areas of developmental interventions by the Chinese government in Nigeria, just as he reechoed the need for a robust parliamentary relationship between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the Chinese Peoples Parliament.
“I welcome you to the people’s House. It’s similar to what you call the Peoples Parliament in China. It’s indeed gratifying to welcome you today. China is not a small country; it is the second richest in the world today, as well as the most populated country.
“As always, Nigerian Parliament is eager to work with your country. Since Nigeria and China established a diplomatic relationship several decades ago, we have not had any issue with China.
“I believe you brought so much to Nigeria as a result of this bilateral relationship, and you can only strengthen the partnership that will be a win-win for both countries.
“So far China–Nigeria relationship has been a positive one. When I was the chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, I had the opportunity of knowing the important contributions China made to that sector in Nigeria,” Speaker Abbas said.
The Speaker thereafter introduced the chairman of the Nigeria–China Parliamentary Friendship Committee Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, urging the ambassador to facilitate further introduction between the Committee Chairman and his Parliamentarians in China with a view to strengthening the relationship.
Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun briefed the Speaker on the Chinese Parliaments to strengthen ties with the Nigerian Legislature, saying that more collaboration between both parliaments could only further cement the existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his warm reception, conveying the willingness of the Chinese Parliament to work with its Nigerian counterpart for the purpose of deepening existing bilateral relationship.
He listed key areas of national development, which China has actively participated in Nigeria in the last six years to include: road and hydro-electric power infrastructure, rail transportation, technology and security, adding that China could also learn a lot from Nigeria through its Legislature and cultural collaboration.
He invited the Speaker to visit the Chinese Parliament next year to establish more ties.
