Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, said culture and education are the cornerstone of national development and their exchanges are a bond between her country and Nigeria.
She said both countries possess rich cultures, adding that deepening cultural and educational exchanges is one of her important missions as Consul General.
The envoy made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.
NAN reports that since Yuqing’s appointment in May 2023, she has facilitated the Chinese Film Festival in Lagos, performances by China National Traditional Orchestra, CNTO, and celebrated traditional Chinese festivals including Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival with the Nigerian people.
On Yuqing’s part, promoting cultural exchanges and fostering mutual understanding are crucial components of the bilateral friendship between China and Nigeria.
She noted that the mission had collaborated with the Ogun Free Trade Zone, OGFTZ, to renovate the China-Nigeria Friendship Model School and worked with the Lekki Free Trade Zone to assist in building a digital classroom for the China-Nigeria Friendship School.
“Each year, the Chinese government provides scholarships to Nigerian students.
“Currently, I am advancing several projects, including the construction of the ‘Chinese Window’ at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA”.
According to her, the Chinese mission has facilitated the cooperation signing of an intercollegiate exchange agreement between Edo State Polytechnic and Fuzhou Vocational and Technical College in China.
She said Confucius Institute Alumni Association of Nigeria was also established and serves as a place for exchanging information and fostering communication among students who studied in China.
“I am aware that some of the students who returned from China have opened Chinese language training centres, established Chinese martial arts schools and are engaged in China-Nigeria trade to support bilateral cooperation.
“These are excellent examples of deepening interactions and friendships between the people of our two countries”, Yuqing said.
Meanwhile, she noted that China is willing to make joint efforts with Nigeria to continuously optimise the visa policy and actively create favourable conditions.
This, she said would help provide more facilitation for the flow of people between China and Nigeria.
NAN reports that in 2023, a phased exemption from fingerprinting was introduced for eligible applicants going on business trips or visiting relatives.
Also, fees for Nigerians applying for Chinese visas were reduced from mid December in 2023.
She, however, said Chinese authorities continue to optimise the policy on visas and entry of foreigners into China, adding that it was generally welcomed by the international community.
She emphasised that China’s gate is always open and would continue to remain so.
“We are taking practical actions to show all countries that we are striving to remove obstacles to, and broaden channels for the smooth flow of people between China and foreign countries, and to create favourable conditions and provide more convenience”.
The Consul General highlighted the importance of cooperation with mainstream and new media, noting that she actively promoted media exchanges between China and Nigeria.
“Asides assisting journalists to visit China to cover major events, in July, I hosted the Lagos Forum Media Dialogue, where I introduced the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, CPC, and the opportunities it brings for Nigeria’s development.
“Journalists are not only conveyors of information, but also recorders and promoters of culture, and bear social responsibilities”, she stressed.
Yuqing urged the media to continually contribute to enhance understanding and friendship between China, Nigeria and their people. NAN
