China an important economic partner for Africa –Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that the People’s Republic of China is an important economic partner for Africa.

He added that Chinese cooperation with Africa has not only advanced infrastructure development but also facilitated the transfer of technology and the exchange of personnel.

Speaking on behalf of the InterAction Council (a body of former Presidents and Heads of Government) during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and officials of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing on Friday, Obasanjo encouraged the Chinese government and its people to achieve greater progress in future cooperation with Africa to advance global peace. The meeting marked the 70th anniversary of the association.

In a release by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President also commended the Chinese leader for his unwavering support for global cooperation and multilateralism.

According to Obasanjo: “I want to express my deep appreciation to President Xi Jinping for your steadfast support for global cooperation and multilateralism. Your leadership has not only laid a solid foundation for China’s continual rise and development but has also provided significant momentum for global peace and stability.”

On China-Africa relations, Obasanjo noted that the partnership is already “showcasing itself as a successful example of people-to-people diplomacy. China and Africa share a deep foundation of cooperation and exchange in areas such as economy, culture, and education. China is an important economic partner for Africa, and our cooperation has not only advanced infrastructure development but also facilitated the transfer of technology and the exchange of personnel.”

He further emphasised: “Sino-African relations have deepened over the years, particularly in the last twenty years, during which China has become Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner. For us in Africa, China offers not only an opportunity for shared prosperity but also inspiration for our own growth.

“China’s successful lifting of over 800 million people out of poverty in forty years is a shining example of what is possible when leaders set their minds on changing the fortunes of their people for the better. Africa will continue to seek China’s friendship and partnership as we aspire to lift our own people out of poverty.”

Obasanjo also mentioned that his colleagues from the InterAction Council were honoured to be invited to Beijing to celebrate the seven-decade anniversary of the association. He added: “We are both committed to promoting global peace, development, and cooperation. As former heads of state and government leaders, we understand the importance of people-to-people relations. It is not merely an extension of official diplomacy but a vital force for fostering international cooperation.

“Let me conclude my remarks by reiterating that the mission of the InterAction Council aligns closely with that of CPAFFC. We are both committed to promoting global peace, development, and cooperation. As former heads of state and government leaders, we understand the importance of people-to-people relations. It is not merely an extension of official diplomacy but a vital force for fostering international cooperation.

“The InterAction Council will continue to work hand in hand with CPAFFC to promote deeper exchanges and understanding among peoples, contributing to global peace and cooperation,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying.

Vanguard