President Bola Tinubu has commended the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China which has seen trade between the two parties reaching an estimated 280 billion US dollars.

The Nigerian leader was speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation taking place in Beijing, China.

Tinubu said despite global challenges, the partnership has remained firm.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum in order to deepen the partnership for the mutual benefit of both regions.

“A landmark of our relationship came in the year 2000 with the establishment of the FOCAC. This platform has been pivotal in strengthening our economic ties and reaffirming our commitment to mutual progress,” Tinubu said.

“Despite the global challenges we faced, whether the economy or geographical, our partnership has stood firm, resolute and offering a powerful example of what can be achieved through respect for sovereignty and none interference.

“One of the highlights of this collaboration has been the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China has grown exponentially reaching an estimated 280 billion US dollars.

“These impressive figures speaks volumes about the strength of our economic relationship and expanding the integration of our market.”

Leaders and their entourages from across Africa have flown in to Beijing since Saturday, keeping President Xi Jinping busy with bilateral meetings all week.

Xi pledged over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years, promising to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and trade with the continent as he addressed Beijing’s biggest summit since the pandemic.

More than 50 African leaders and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres are attending this week’s China-Africa forum, according to state media.

Credit: Channelstv