Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the significant role of the People’s Republic of China as a vital economic partner for Africa. Speaking on behalf of the InterAction Council, which consists of former Presidents and Heads of Government, Obasanjo made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and officials from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in Beijing. The meeting was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the association.
Obasanjo noted that Chinese cooperation with Africa has led to remarkable advancements in infrastructure development while also facilitating technology transfer and personnel exchange. He encouraged both the Chinese government and its citizens to strive for greater progress in future collaborations with Africa, emphasizing the potential for these partnerships to contribute to global peace.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo expressed his gratitude to President Xi for his unwavering commitment to global cooperation and multilateralism. He stated, “Your leadership has not only laid a solid foundation for China’s continual rise and development but has also provided significant momentum for global peace and stability.”
The former President described the China-Africa partnership as a successful model of people-to-people diplomacy, highlighting the deep-rooted cooperation and exchange in various sectors, including economy, culture, and education. Obasanjo reaffirmed that China remains a crucial economic ally for Africa, with their collaborative efforts yielding significant benefits across the continent.