Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has said China and Nigeria are matching towards their new journey of nation building in spite of similar historic struggles against colonial aggression and for national liberation.

She said this at the 74th anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in Lagos. She however stressed her commitment to uphold the concept of the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith in China’s relations with Africa, and to promote the Nigeria’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary and in-depth cooperation with China by taking economic and trade cooperation, local exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges as the links.

“At the same time, we practice the principle of diplomacy for the people, more actively and innovatively provide quality and efficient consular services to the overseas Chinese and people from all walks of life in the region, and constantly take the China-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights,” she said.

According to her, in the past 74 years, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, have successfully opened up the road to socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieved the first centennial goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and are now moving towards the second centennial goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects.

“Over the past decade, China’s average contribution to world economic growth has exceeded 30 per cent. Since the beginning of 2023, China’s economy has continued to recover and make progress in a steady manner, with GDP growing by 5.5 per cent year-on-year in the first half of the year, demonstrating that China’s economy is still an important engine of growth for the world economy.

“Supported by scientific and technological innovation, China has built the world’s largest high-speed railways and highways network, world-class port complexes, and has direct access to the world by air and sea. Guided by the people-centred development philosophy, China has completed the world’s largest education, social insurance and health-care systems, and people’s sense of security, of happiness and of achievement, has been continuously enhanced,” she added.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, applauded the people of China for their dedication to drive growth and development, adding that their accomplishment in critical areas such as infrastructure, technological innovations, ecological development, cultural evolution is inspiring.
He stated that Lagos partnership with China has contributed to the rapid growth of the state’s economy especially in the areas of trade infrastructure and road construction.

“You all are witnesses to the recent completion of the first phase of the Blue Line rail transportation from Marina to Mile 2 recently launched by my administration and in use by thousands of our people, this is one of the series of confirmation of a mutually beneficially partnership between China and Lagos State.