Nigerian scholars laud strong Sino-Nigeria cooperation

Scholars in Nigeria on Thursday hailed the strong partnership existing between China and the West African country while calling for more opportunities to further progress the partnership.

The scholars, who delivered papers examining the mutual benefits so far enjoyed by both countries, gathered in Abuja to discuss the future of Sino-Nigeria cooperation.

In his address, director of the Center for China Studies Charles Onunaiju said the discussions at the event proved that China-Nigeria bilateral cooperation has even more prospects.

He urged Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation to continue to find a niche in Beijing's global development trajectory that seeks to foster inclusive prosperity, mutual benefits and peace dividends.

China's ambassador in Nigeria Gu Xiaojie said equality and mutual trust, unity and coordination in international affairs have served as the fulcrum of cooperation between the two countries since they launched bilateral relations in 1971.

"As good partners, the two countries always adhere to win-win cooperation and common development, thus bringing its benefits to our peoples; always attach great importance to people-to-people and cultural exchanges, thus making stronger the social and civil foundation for bilateral relations," the envoy said.

Over the years, Nigeria has become China's biggest engineering contract market. It has also become the Asian country's second largest export market and third largest trading partner in Africa. Endit