President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of global collaboration in achieving shared progress and prosperity.

Tinubu made the call while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

The president, who highlighted the success of the China-Africa partnership as a model for sustainable development and shared prosperity, noted that the partnership is driven by a bold vision for the future and that by working together, Africa and China can unlock unprecedented levels of growth and development for their nations.

He said cooperation is key to solving global challenges and that the China-Africa partnership is built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.

President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, called for the sustenance of the momentum of cooperation and emphasised the need for peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution in deepening the bond between Africa and China.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to benefit both regions as it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.

He said: “The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasises the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together and joining hands and looking for win-win solutions, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.

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“At the heart of China-Africa relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum. Peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution remain at the forefront of our efforts.

“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continues to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come. The partnership is not only about shared history. It is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.

“Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations.”

President Tinubu congratulated earlier speakers, particularly the co-chair of FOCAC, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, for their contributions to the partnership.

The President also highlighted the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China, with trade reaching an estimated $280 billion, and expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure goals.

The Star