By Livinus Saint Kaior -Abuja.
The Deputy President of Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called for closer collaboration between the national parliaments of Nigeria and China, given the emerging primacy of parliamentary diplomacy in the world.
Senator Ekweremadu made the call when he received the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, H.E. Mr.Deng Boqing who was in his residence at the Apo Legislative Quarters on a courtesy visit today.
He said the establishment of a closer parliamentary relationship between the two nations was not only desirous given the leadership role they play in their respective continents, but also important in accelerating the pace of development of both countries.
“We are prepared to develop more areas of cooperation with you and one such area is parliamentary relationship between Nigeria and China; as representatives of the people, it is important that we develop some parliamentary relationship because parliamentary diplomacy is a new set of diplomacy that is working in the world today.
“Nigeria and China, being big countries in Africa and Asia, respectively, it is important that we develop our parliamentary relationship so as to take full advantage of this new vista of international relations.”
Senator Ekweremadu who noted China’s prominent role in world politics, applauded the excellent relationship the Asian nation has developed with Africa and Nigeria in particular, adding that China had assisted Africa in different ways especially in infrastructural development.
“We are very conversant with your intervention in railway projects all over Africa, especially in Nigeria presently, and we are also happy with the transfer of technology between China and the people of Africa,” he said.
The Deputy President of Senate also commended the growth of democracy and general renaissance in China even as he noted that the accomplishments of China could inspire and impact in reformation agenda in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ambassador Boqing who said his country was keen on maintaining and expanding the existing bilateral relations with Nigeria, commended Nigeria’s leadership role in peace keeping and security in Africa.
Ambassador Boqing expressed the willingness of China to foster close relations between the National Assembly of Nigeria and the parliament of China, the Chinese National People’s Congress.
