By Sarafina Christopher
Mr Zhou Hongyou, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, says young people remain central to strengthening China-Africa cooperation through innovation, cultural exchange and practical partnerships.
Zhou said this on Monday during the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja.
He said the future of China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations would largely depend on the ability of young people to sustain dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation.
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
“It also marks 55 years of China-Nigeria diplomatic ties.
“China is working with African countries, including Nigeria, to deepen political trust, expand practical cooperation, strengthen mutual learning and keep our friendship alive for generations to come,” he said.
Zhou said that China has continued to prioritise Africa in its opening-up policies, noting that it recently introduced zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations.
According to Zhou, the measure aims to boost trade opportunities and support Africa’s development aspirations.
He urged young people from both countries to embrace openness, inclusiveness and dialogue in advancing bilateral cooperation.
“In today’s interconnected world, no country can face global challenges alone.
“Young people should build friendship through exchanges, grow together through learning and contribute to stronger China-Africa cooperation,” he said.
The envoy also encouraged Nigerian youths to become storytellers of China-Africa cooperation by promoting mutual understanding and win-win collaboration.
“To the Chinese youth here today, I hope you will grow from participants into champions of China-Nigeria partnership.
“Use your voices and platforms to inspire more young people and advance cooperation between both countries,” he said.
Zhou enjoined youths to translate discussions into practical outcomes in areas such as trade, technology, education, sports and culture.
“Our bilateral cooperation is growing faster than ever. China and Nigeria are becoming a strong example of win-win cooperation among Global South countries,” he said .
Dignitaries and participants at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar in Abuja.
Also speaking, Mr Daspan Kwardem, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, said the future of Nigeria-China relations would increasingly be shaped by young people.
Kwardem said discussions at the seminar focused on strategic cooperation, public diplomacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills, artificial intelligence and cultural exchange.
“Young people are not merely beneficiaries of economic cooperation; they are key drivers of growth and prosperity.
“The discussions highlighted the need to prepare young people for the future economy through digital skills, innovation ecosystems and emerging global opportunities,” he said.
Kwardem said the seminar underscored the importance of building communities based on shared ideas, technology and collaboration beyond geographical boundaries.
“We will miss the point if we think this discussion is only about what young people can gain from China or vice versa.
“It is about building a future together and creating opportunities collectively,” he said.
The director also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating platforms that would connect Nigerian youths with global opportunities and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the seminar featured group discussions on public diplomacy, youth entrepreneurship, technology transfer, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
