By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Hongyou, has said that relations between the two countries have grown into a model of South-South cooperation over the past 55 years.

Zhou said this on Saturday in Abuja at the 2026 “Chinese New Year” Temple Fair and Gala, held to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.

According to him, the partnership between the two countries has continued to deepen across political, economic and cultural spheres, guided by mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation.

“After 55 years of working hand in hand, China-Nigeria cooperation has gone beyond the scope of bilateral economic relations and has become a model of South-South cooperation,” Zhou said.

He noted that despite changes in the international landscape, both countries have consistently upheld strategic mutual trust and expanded cooperation in trade, infrastructure, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Zhou recalled that diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria were formally established on February 10, 1971, describing the journey as one marked by steady growth and historic progress, especially in recent years.

He said the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit underscored the maturity and depth of bilateral ties.

“Bilateral trade continues to expand, infrastructure cooperation is progressing steadily, and consultations on zero-tariff measures are providing strong support for Nigeria’s modernisation efforts,” he said.

Zhou also highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries in culture and education.

He cited initiatives such as the launch of the Chinese language radio programme ‘Ni Hao! China’ on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

Others, he said, included student exchanges, joint research and the establishment of more “China Corners” in Nigerian schools.

He described the Happy Chinese New Year Temple Fair as a practical expression of China’s Global Civilisation Initiative, aimed at promoting dialogue and mutual learning between civilisations.

“This event plays an important role in consolidating public support for mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries,” Zhou said.

He added that the year 2026, designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, provided fresh opportunities to strengthen cultural interaction, governance, experience-sharing and cooperation toward modernisation.

Speaking on the symbolism of the ‘Year of the Horse’, Zhou noted that the horse represents perseverance, unity and innovation in Chinese culture, qualities he said were also reflected in Nigeria’s Coat of Arms.

“These shared values define China-Nigeria relations over the past 55 years,” he said.

Zhou reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing its bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges.

He also expressed confidence that China and Nigeria relations would continue to “gallop forward” and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries in the years ahead.

Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).

Also speaking, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as the bedrock of bilateral relations.

“As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are reminded that Nigeria and China share the same spirit of resilience and determination as we gallop forward into a future of deeper cooperation and shared prosperity,” Tegbe said.

He highlighted key areas of collaboration, including infrastructure development, food security, education and industrialisation.

He cited projects such as rail development, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the National Integrated Poultry Project and plans to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

“These initiatives go beyond infrastructure and trade; they are fundamentally about people,” Tegbe said, adding that the partnership must continue to deliver tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.

Mr Fu Bo, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Wushu Association, its representative said Wushu symbolised harmony, self-improvement and peaceful coexistence, values shared by both countries.

“Through Wushu, we hope to connect the hearts of the two peoples and further deepen the friendship between China and Nigeria,” the representative said.

Dignitaries from the Chinese Wushu Association.

NAN reports that the event also featured martial arts performances by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural displays, cuisine, exhibitions and interactive activities showcasing Chinese traditions. (NAN)