The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has affirmed China’s commitment to deepening civilizational exchanges and mutual learning with African countries, including Nigeria.
In a statement titled “Strengthen Civilizational Dialogue, Foster China-African Friendship,” Yuqing emphasized that China aims not only to collaborate with Africa in promoting inclusive development but also to provide a sustainable driving force for the advancement of human civilization.
She explained that China is dedicated to enhancing dialogue and building consensus with African nations across political, economic, cultural, social, and ecological fields.
Yuqing highlighted the upcoming mid-June Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), describing it as a significant milestone to further deepen China-Africa cooperation.
“This conference will implement the spirit of the China-Africa leaders’ summit, set a benchmark for the high-quality co-construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and create a model for executing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative,” she said.
Yuqing added that these efforts will continually enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security of African people while accelerating the shared modernization of China and Africa.
She also pointed to the symbolic significance of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s annual first visit to Africa for 35 consecutive years, noting that it reflects the enduring friendship and consistent cooperation between China and the continent.
“Walking side by side on the path to modernization, China and Africa always understand, trust, support, and help each other,” she said.
Highlighting China’s pragmatic cooperation approach, Yuqing stated, “China has always adhered to the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, helping Africa develop through a Chinese path to modernization and ultimately achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.”
Yuqing revealed plans to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, deepen exchanges in party and state governance, and designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
She concluded by noting that, under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) will refine cooperation measures and propose a series of specific projects to strengthen the partnership.
