Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Beijing, China, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in achieving shared progress and prosperity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Tinubu highlighted the success of the China-Africa partnership as a model for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

He noted that the partnership is driven by a bold vision for the future and that by working together, Africa and China can unlock unprecedented levels of growth and development for their nations.

The President said cooperation is key to solving global challenges and that the China-Africa partnership is built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.

President Tinubu called for the sustenance of the momentum of cooperation and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution in deepening the bond between Africa and China.

He expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to benefit both regions as it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.

“The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasizes the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game.

By working together and joining hands and looking for win-win solutions, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.

“At the heart of China-Africa relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum.

Peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution remain at the forefront of our efforts.

“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continues to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come.

Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.

The partnership is not only about shared history. It is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.

“Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations,” the President said.

President Tinubu congratulated earlier speakers, particularly the co-chair of FOCAC, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, for their contributions to the partnership.

The President highlighted the defining moments of the partnership, including China’s consistent commitment to Africa through financial and developmental support, cultural exchanges, and the establishment of FOCAC in 2000.

He said the partnership has stood firm despite global challenges, offering a powerful example of what can be achieved through respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal politics of other nations.

The President also highlighted the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China, with trade reaching an estimated $280 billion, and expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure goals.