Ambassador Yu Dunhai, the Chinese envoy to Nigeria, on Friday pleaded with the sub-region to resist any form of external interference.
Dunhai who spoke at an exchange programme between students from Tsinghua University of China and University of Abuja, with the theme “Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning between China and Nigeria,” in Abuja said:
“I looked at the security situation now in West Africa. I know that many people are very much concerned. But one principle I believe that is very important is that we should object to any foreign interference in the region. But particularly by any major powers. I think, you know, for civilisation, exchange, and mutual learning, there are two principles that we need to follow. Because it’s very important.
“I think we should respect equality, equity, and peace. All civilisation is equal. We don’t believe that there is any civilisation that is secure and empowered. Because each civilisation grows from its own national condition. For instance, the civilisation of the United States. It grows from the real condition of this country.”
He also called for improved communication and exchange between his country and Nigeria.
“The first partnership action is the people-to-people exchange and mutual learning. That’s why I believe that today we have to build and improve our communication and exchange in combination to this very important topic. Why is the people-to-people exchange so important? Because countries’ relations eventually boil down to people-to-people exchanges.
“Nigeria is very much blessed with rich resources, huge development potential. So, I see there is great potential for the development of Nigeria.
“I believe that people-to-people exchange creates the foundation for our bilateral relations. Because while China and Europe are bilateral relations, it’s not only about government-to-government relations. It’s not only about business.
But eventually, it’s people-to-people relations. Over the years, China and Nigeria have carried out a lot of cultural exchanges. For instance, we co-hosted the Cultural Week of China and Nigeria.
“We hosted the Chinese Festival event. And we invited Chinese artists to come to Nigeria to work together with Nigerian artists. And we established a cultural centre in our respective countries.”
He also said China and Nigeria share a lot of similarities: “We have a lot of common values. The first one is that I find that in Nigeria and China, we are both disarming countries. We do not believe in war. For instance, I have studied the history of Nigeria. Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria has never been involved in a war. And if you look at China, it’s the same. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have never initiated a war with the other countries.”
