China lauds President war against corruption

Mr Lin Songtian, Director-General (DG), African Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday said that his government was in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Lin also told a joint delegation of journalists from Six African countries in Beijing that the Chinese government was committed to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism in the Northeastern part of the country.

"Let me say here that the Chinese government highly appreciates President Buhari’s present anti-corruption fight.

"The Chinese government strongly believes in our cooperation with Nigeria and also believe want to commend the President’s effort at making Nigeria free of corruption.

"I will like to also say that our government is worried over terrorism and insecurity in the North-East part of that country and is ready to support Nigeria in fighting terrorism,’’ he said.

The Chinese official said that it was imperative for China to also support Nigeria’s growth because with growth and development "terrorism will continue to grow in Nigeria’’.

The director-general said that President Buhari recently led a Nigerian delegation to the Summit on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg as a way of deepening Nigeria and China relations.

He said the summit was meant to chart a new course of cooperation for China and African countries, as well as inject "strong impetus” to their already existing cooperation.

Lin said that China would continue to recognise Nigeria’s leadership role in the achievement of Chinese government’s "new agenda” for supporting Africa’s industrialisation and modernisation.

He said that his government was currently working hard at making Nigeria and other African countries to achieve self-dependent development that would provide jobs for young people and reduce poverty.

Lin also said the government was ready to support Nigeria and other African countries in boosting their food production, as well as disease prevention in their communities.