31st July, 2015
China has reiterated its commitment to support Nigeria in its quest to safeguard peace and stability in the country and West Africa.
The Military Attaché to the Chinese mission in Nigeria, Snr. Col. Wang Runxu, reaffirmed the Chinese government’s commitment in Abuja on Thursday night at the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Wang said Nigeria and China shared healthy relations military as shown in the training opportunities extended to Nigeria military by their Chinese
counterparts.
“In the military area, the friendship exchange and pragmatic cooperation between PLA and Nigerian Armed Forces are fruitful.
“For years PLA provided Nigerian military personnel with opportunities to participate in training courses at different levels in China.
“At the same time the military trade cooperation has been raised to a higher level,” he said.
He expressed hopes that the cooperation would help in the development of Nigeria’s security apparatus. “We believe that this growth in collaboration will help Nigeria’s military to strengthen its capacity and capability in safeguarding peace and maintaining stability in Nigerian and the West African region.
“The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria will contribute its due share to the bilateral military relations,” he said.
He also said that the political relations between both countries had “witnessed great development”.
“In the political area the two countries established strategic partnership in 2005; since then the political mutual trust has been enhanced.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment that strategic partnership. We are confident that the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries will be strengthened to new heights.”
Wang also said that China was committed to ensuring the sustenance of peace globally.
He reiterated the readiness of PLA to engage in various forms of military exchanges and cooperation “with all friendly countries in the world”.
Also speaking, Maj.-Gen Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff reiterated the readiness of the Nigerian Army to work with and share experiences with PLA.
Buratai was represented at the event by Maj.-Gen Edward Nze, the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to work with the PLA because you have been a great pillar to our fight.
“We thank you for all of your assistance in fighting insurgency and we are willing to look at further areas of cooperation and what Nigeria can also offer to the PLA,” he said.