President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday in Abuja called for greater Chinese involvement in the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at an audience with the visiting Chairman of the National Peoples Congress of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government would welcome the deployment of China’s renowned agricultural expertise in support of its efforts to positively transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The President reiterated his administration’s belief that the development of the full potentials of the country’s agricultural sector will help greatly in addressing Nigeria’s problem of youth unemployment.
He also welcomed the decision taken during his recent state visit to China to establish a Nigeria-China Bi-National Commission, saying that the Commission will facilitate greater bilateral cooperation between both countries in areas of mutual interest.
President Jonathan seized the opportunity of Mr. Dejiang’s visit to reiterate the Federal Government’s appreciation of the financial support being given by China for the development of public infrastructure in Nigeria.
The President expressed delight at the opening of a Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja which, he said, will further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and promote better understanding of Chinese culture by Nigerians.
President Jonathan also thanked China for supporting Nigeria’s bid for the non- permanent Security Council seat for 2014/2015.
Mr. Dejiang had informed the President that his visit to Nigeria was his first visit abroad as the chairman of National Peoples Congress of China.
He was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by the Senate President, Senator David Mark
