China, key economic partner for Africa—Obasanjo

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

Obasanjo said that Chinese cooperation with Africa has not only advanced infrastructural development but also facilitated the transfer of technology and the exchange of personnel.

A statement by his media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Friday quoted the former President as speaking on behalf of the InterAction Council during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The meeting took place in Beijing on the association’s 70th anniversary.

Obasanjo enjoined the government and people of the communist country to achieve more progress in future cooperation with Africa to advance global peace.

The former President also commended the Chinese leader for his steadfast support for global cooperation and multilateralism.

Obasanjo said, “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’s relations, Obasanjo stated that the development is already “showcasing it 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.

“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 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 people out of poverty.”

Obasanjo further hinted that his colleagues from the InterAction Council were honoured to be invited to Beijing to join in the seven-decade anniversary of the group, which is committed to promoting global peace, development, and cooperation.

He said,  “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.”

PUNCH Online reported that the China-Africa summit took place from September 4 to 6, where leaders of African countries met and discussed policies and cooperation agreements with officials from the continent’s biggest lender and investor.

Those agreements will set the tone for the two side’s burgeoning relations for the next few years.

President Bola Tinubu, who attended the summit, in a report, was quoted as saying, “The African spirit for FOCAC is based upon mutual respect and partnership that promotes development, happiness, peace, and stability for our people. We are on this journey together. We believe that we share common interests, which are investments and development.

“For me, as a Nigerian and as Chairman of ECOWAS, I am happy that the strategic partnership being promoted is acceptable to both sides and this is the way to go.”