Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the importance of the People’s Republic of China as a crucial economic partner for Africa.
He noted that Chinese cooperation has significantly advanced infrastructure development across the continent and facilitated technology transfer and personnel exchange.
Obasanjo made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and members of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the association.
Representing the InterAction Council, a group of former heads of state, Obasanjo called for enhanced cooperation between China and Africa to further global peace.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo commended President Xi for his unwavering support of global cooperation and multilateralism.
He expressed gratitude for Xi’s leadership, stating, “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.”
Discussing Sino-African relations, Obasanjo noted that the partnership has become a model of people-to-people diplomacy. “China and Africa share a deep foundation of cooperation and exchange in areas such as economy, culture, and education,” he said.
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He highlighted China’s status as Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner over the past two decades, offering opportunities for shared prosperity and inspiration for growth.
Obasanjo pointed to China’s success in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty as a testament to what can be achieved with committed leadership. “Africa will continue to seek China’s friendship and partnership as we aspire to lift our own people out of poverty,” he added.
He expressed his appreciation for the invitation to celebrate the CPAFFC anniversary, reaffirming the commitment of the InterAction Council to global peace, development, and cooperation.
“As former heads of state, we understand the importance of people-to-people relations as a vital force for fostering international cooperation,” Obasanjo remarked.
Concluding his speech, Obasanjo pledged that the InterAction Council would work closely with CPAFFC to promote deeper exchanges and understanding among peoples, ultimately contributing to global peace and cooperation.