President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed gratitude to China for helping Nigeria in some key areas.
The President spoke on Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian.
The President, in a virtual meeting, told the envoy: “Please convey our appreciation to President Xi Jinping for the contribution of China towards reversing the infrastructure deficit we suffer in the areas of rail, roads, airports and power.”
He noted that China had played its role effectively in all the Memoranda of Understanding signed with Nigeria.
The Nigeria leader disclosed that he had followed the “highly mobile” activities of Dr Pingjian in the past four years.
“You have visited all our 36 states. I see you all over the media, you have the energy and health, and you have performed effectively.”
Dr Pingjian, who has been in Nigeria since September 2016, described his tour of duty as “highly rewarding time”.
“I have been privileged to visit all the 36 states of the country, I have seen the remarkable progress being made, and under your leadership, I am confident that Nigeria will fly higher,” Dr Pingjian said.
He added that in about 50 years of Nigeria-China relations, “this is the best time we have had”.
Dr Pingjian recalled that President Buhari has visited China twice.
He hailed the president for showing solidarity at critical times, “particularly when COVID-19 broke out, and you always personally attend the commissioning of projects Nigeria does in alliance with China.”
The outgoing Ambassador added that the One China Policy was dear to his country, and commended Nigeria for its support.
“To keep China one is a task that must be done. We will appreciate your continued support, and I will remain a goodwill ambassador of Nigeria,” he submitted.
