President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that China’s support tremendously strengthened Nigeria’s effort against COVID-19.
Buhari also expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far as China-Nigeria relations clock 50 years.
He thanked China for its support in defence matters and infrastructural development of Nigeria.
Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja, said the President made this known in a letter written to his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria.
In the letter, Buhari also rejoiced with Chinese people across the world as they commenced the celebration marking the new Chinese Year of the Ox on Feb. 12.
He said: “It’s now 50 years since the establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations, and I am delighted that the bilateral ties have achieved far reaching and fruitful results, on the basis of close coordination and mutual trust, bringing great benefits to our countries and peoples.
“As celebrations of the Chinese Year of the Ox by all Chinese across the world commence on Feb. 12 this year, on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I use this opportunity to extend my warmest and most sincere greetings and wishes to you and the Chinese people for a promising and auspicious Lunar New Year.
“Nigeria is very satisfied with the progress of bilateral relations, and we thank China for its support to us in various ways, in the building of rail, road, power, defence, and many other areas.”
The Nigerian leader noted that since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has worked with Nigeria and other countries in Africa to safeguard the “lives and health of Nigerians.
He added, “We acknowledge that Chinese support tremendously strengthened our effort against the pandemic.”
