Yan Yuqing, the consul general of China in Lagos, says her country remains firmly committed to expanding development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa.

Ms Yan said this on Sunday night in Lagos at a reception celebrating the Spring Festival and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.

According to her, the Spring Festival is a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, embodying the Chinese people’s heartfelt aspirations for a better future.

Reflecting on past years, Ms Yan said bilateral relations between the two countries had advanced by leaps and bounds.

”This year marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and also the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.

”It is our hope that both sides will seize this opportunity to deepen political mutual trust and expand cooperation in all areas, further elevating China-Nigeria relations to an even higher level,” she said.

Also, secretary to the Lagos government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the celebration spoke to the strength, resilience and relevance of the China-Nigeria relationship, describing it as one that continues to evolve.

”For Lagos state, our partnership with China is strategic and people-centred. It delivers real value, particularly in terms of human capital development. We acknowledge China’s support in entrepreneurship development, digital skills training and youth development.

”We also value the impact of the sister cities agreement, which provides a practical platform for cooperation between Lagos state and key Chinese cities,” she said.

According to her, the sister cities partnership continues to foster trade, urban development, and culture, translating diplomacy into a strategic partnership between both sides.

She stressed that Lagos remained committed to deepening its partnership while continuing to deliver impact.

At the reception, the consulate premiered the first episode of ‘Consul General’s Taste of China X Naija’, a show diving into the heart of Chinese tradition and food.

(NAN)