The Chinese government has urged China and Nigeria to deepen their understanding of each other.
Mr. Li Hengtian, Deputy Director of the Education and Training Center of China International Communications Group (CICG) said in the process of advancing China-Nigeria cooperation, there is a yearning for more understanding of one another.
Li spoke on Wednesday at the opening of the Seminar for Renowned Nigerian Commentators, in Beijing, China.
He said the media is better positioned to fill the gap with diverse perspectives and narratives.
He said: “Although we have achieved many results, the people of our two countries still long to understand each other more deeply: to understand the mutual radiance of the Yellow River civilization and the Nok culture, to understand the consensus and differences in global governance, and to understand the laughter and tears of ordinary people amidst the tides of the times.
“Therefore, we sincerely hope that friends from the Chinese and Nigerian press can strengthen cooperation and, with diverse perspectives and sincere writing, together tell the stories of China-Nigeria friendly cooperation and common development, promoting mutual understanding and peaceful friendship between our peoples.
“ Today, we gather in Beijing with the beautiful wish of deepening traditional friendship and promoting exchange and cooperation. I hope to take this opportunity to open a window for our media friends to understand China more deeply and to build a bridge of mutual understanding, mutual tolerance, mutual trust, and mutual support between China and Nigeria.”
Li was also positive that China-Nigeria relations will be of mutual benefits to both countries.
“This year, the two countries are working together to build a China-Nigeria community with a shared future. I believe that with the joint efforts of China and Nigeria, mutually beneficial cooperation will progress steadily and yield more fruits on the African continent,” he said.
“We are willing to strengthen exchange and cooperation with you, working together to deepen the traditional friendship between China and Nigeria and making greater contributions to assisting the common development of both sides and building a China-Nigeria community with a shared future,” he added.
Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contracting market, second-largest export market, third-largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa.
China has been involved in Nigeria infrastructural development in the last few years, ranging from the Lagos Light Rail to the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, and from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the Zungeru Hydropower Station.
In his remarks, Olunkwa Felix, the representative of the participants hailed fhe Chinese government for providing a platform for learning, cultural exchange, international cooperation, and personal development.
China continues to play a significant role in global development, innovation, education, and international collaboration.
“Therefore, being part of this program is both a privilege and an opportunity for us to learn from China’s remarkable experiences and advancements.”
The seminar is facilitated by CICG, a comprehensive professional international communication agency dedicated to telling China’s stories well and showcasing China’s long history, culture, contemporary outlook, and achievements in reform and development to the international community through various languages and media. Its business covers six major sectors: high-end international communication, publishing and distribution, media communication, research and consulting, cultural exchange, and industry services. Every year, it publishes over 4,000 types of books in more than 40 languages and edits 36 multi-language periodicals in 14 languages. Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, compiled and printed by CICG, has been published in 5 volumes and as many as 42 languages, with distribution covering more than 180 countries and regions.
