JUST IN: Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Diplomatic Trips to China and UK

Nigerian President Tinubu returns to Abuja following diplomatic visits to China and the UK aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

After completing his official visit to China, President Bola Tinubu will make a short stop in the United Kingdom before returning to Abuja on Sunday.

On August 29, Tinubu left Abuja for Beijing and began his visit on September 2 by attending a meeting at the Great Hall of the People. During this event, President Xi Jinping greeted him warmly.

His arrival in China was marked with significant honor, including a 21-gun salute and an escort by the honorable guard.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy revealed that Tinubu held several bilateral conversations with China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. As a result of these talks, both nations entered into five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Several agreements were signed, encompassing different aspects such as a partnership strategy to advance the Belt and Road Initiative, utilization of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and pursuits aimed at human resource development.

Media exchange and cooperation between China’s media outlets and the Nigerian Television Authority were highlighted in one of the MoUs. In addition, a significant pact was inked with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to build the Lagos Green Rail Line spanning 68 kilometers from Lekki Free Zone to Marina, which will link up with the Blue Line already in existence.

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Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited of Nigeria and Sinomach-He of China came to an agreement on a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State.

While in China, President Tinubu paid visits to notable corporations such as Huawei and CHEC prior to participating in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. As ECOWAS Chairman at the event, he delivered a speech that underlined multilateralism and worldwide cooperation as vital for achieving peace.

During his last trip to China, Tinubu convened a meeting with members of the Nigeria diaspora organization based in China. The aim was to exchange views on the ongoing reforms in their home country and explore ways of achieving better infrastructure, steady power supply as well as improved education which were evident during this visit to China.

President Tinubu traveled to London following his departure from Beijing for a short visit during which he engaged with King Charles III in talks that addressed critical concerns, such as climate change.

The conclusion of this crucial diplomatic mission has left many eagerly anticipating President Tinubu’s return to Abuja.