By SALIF ATOJOKO

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Chinese government to increase the two billion dollar currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.

He also called for an upward review of the 50 billion dollar aid package for Africa, which China?s President Xi Jinping announced last year.

China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately 2 billion dollars), to enhance trade and investment.

Receiving Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps would speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.

?We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our programme. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated.

?Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable,? the President said.

Regarding the 50 billion dollars pledged by the Chinese government to support Africa, President Tinubu noted that the continent?s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent?s reality.

?I am happy you are part of China?s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding.

?First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth. The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts.

?All share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,? he stated.

President Tinubu called on China to support Nigeria?s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.

?You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,? the President said.

Tinubu said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding.

?We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programmes.

?My visit during FOCAC was a good experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programmes of action,? he said.

Yi thanked Tinubu for appointing a Director General and Global Liaison, Nigeria?China Strategic Partnership, to oversee the implementation of the MOUs for the rapid development of the Nigerian economy.

?I would like to thank Nigeria for abiding by the one-China principle, and we will continue to support Nigeria in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, countering terrorism and ensuring regional security,? he said.

Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development.

He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.

He also said the Chinese government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council.

?We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,? he stated.

The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria?s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.

He said China fully supported Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for a second term in office.

The minister lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa?s needs, which require China?s support.

?You brought Renewed Hope to the people of Nigeria. Your economy has sustained sound momentum, and Nigeria?s global influence has steadily increased.

?Nigeria has played an important role in upholding regional peace and has become an important force for African stability.

?We congratulate Nigeria on its achievements and believe that, under your leadership, Nigeria will realise greater achievements,? the Chinese foreign minister stated. (NAN)

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