From Ochiaka Ugwu, Beijing
The People’s Republic of China has stated its willingness to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Nigerian media to deepen friendship between the two nations.
Deputy Director of CICG IISAT, Li Hengtian who made this known Wednesday at the opening ceremony of a seminar for Renowned Nigerian Commentators in Beijing organized by Institute for International Studies and Advanced Training (IISAT) an affiliate of China International Communications Group (CICG), stated China’s readiness to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Nigerian mediums in working together to deepen the traditional friendship between China and Nigeria.
Li also stressed the need for the two sides to make greater contributions towards assisting the common development of both sides and building a China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Emphasizing on over half a century of China, Nigeria friendship, Li said Nigeria was China’s largest engineering contracting market, second-largest export market, third-largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa.
He noted that both Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), have mostly highlighted China-Nigeria cooperation as more Nigerian youth were traveling East to pursue knowledge in Chinese institutions, with more Chinese builders heading West to Nigeria to sow the seeds of development on its fertile soil.
While expressing hope that joint efforts of China and Nigeria, mutually beneficial cooperation would progress steadily and yield more fruits in Africa, Li hinted on the need to avoid single story barrier and to focus on presenting the complexity and richness of the world.
He stated that news media and commentators were the stone arches that build the bridge of understanding and the clear breeze that dispels the mist of prejudice in the process of advancing China-Nigeria cooperation.
Li tasked Chinese and Nigerian press to strengthen cooperation and, with diverse perspectives and sincere writing, by together telling stories of China-Nigeria friendly cooperation and common development, promoting mutual understanding and peaceful friendship between their peoples.
He expressed hope that the seminar would open a window for Nigerian media friends to understand China more deeply and to build a bridge of mutual understanding, tolerance, trust, and support between the two nations.
Li enjoined participants to speak freely, share views, experiences, and stories with one another, with the aim of enhancing understanding through exchange and gathering strength through cooperation.
Responding on behalf of the 22 participants, Felix Olunkwa who appreciated China for organizing the seminar, said they recognize the effort invested in bringing together professionals, scholars, and participants from different backgrounds to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas.
He noted the seminar was not just another academic gathering, but a platform for learning, cultural exchange, international cooperation, and personal development.
He expressed hope that the opportunities that came with seminar would help to broaden perspectives, strengthen global understanding, and build lasting relationships across nations.
He said that as China continues to play a significant role in global development, innovation, education, and international collaboration, that being part of the program was both a privilege and an opportunity to learn from its remarkable experiences and advancements.
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