The People’s Republic of China has said that it will ensure speedy completion of the multi-billion dollar Mambila Hydro Power project in Taraba state.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, said this was part of the resolutions during a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and a Special Envoy of the President of China, Yang Jiechi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Onyeama spoke with State House Correspondents on the outcome of the closed-door meeting between President Buhari and the Chinese envoy, who is the Vice Premier of China.
He said the meeting deliberated on the support and cooperation between Nigeria and China and how to take that cooperation forward.
”In the area of power and in particular the President emphasised the Mambila project and the importance of getting that moving again and the Chinese are committed to that.
“They also looked at our airports, especially the four terminals that the Chinese are helping to construct around the country, the progress so far made.
”On the global level, they are giving us support with the United Nations reform, especially for Africa to be represented in the Security Council,” he said.
Onyeama further disclosed that China had also offered to help finance the stewardship of Nigeria as the President of the forthcoming 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“We have just had a Nigerian, our representative at the United Nations, Professor Bande, elected as the next President of UNGA and the Chinese have provided a funding for that office so that he can function effectively over the next one year,” he said.
On agriculture, the minister noted that China had provided support in that sector and also encouraged Nigeria to export more to China.
MM/GIK/APA