On 19 August, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked to Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama on the phone.

Wang said that Nigeria is a major country with important influence, and China attaches great importance to Nigeria’s status and role on the international stage, and always views and grows its relations with Nigeria from a strategic and long-term perspective. China firmly supports President Muhammadu Buhari in leading the Nigerian people to grow the economy, improve people’s lives, safeguard national security and uphold peace and stability in Africa and beyond.

Since COVID-19 struck, China and Nigeria have supported and looked out for each other. China provided Nigeria with containment supplies and shared its experience. Chinese companies and people’s organizations voluntarily offered supplies. All this has strengthened and upgraded the friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. China will continue to help and support Nigeria in fighting and ultimately defeating the virus.

Wang stressed that the development and application of vaccines has attracted much international attention. Some powerful countries are attempting to control the market, get a head start, and even monopolize resources. This has put developing countries at a disadvantage. China has announced that it will make the COVID-19 vaccine a public good when available to help African and other developing countries. China will continue to push forward this process and enhance vaccine cooperation with Africa.

Wang noted that the United States and other forces have been trying to sow discords in China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations for quite some time, yet such attempts will never succeed. He stressed that the traditional friendship between China and African countries including Nigeria has withstood the test of time and the changing international landscape, and such brotherly friendship will stand any interference. Both sides will continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests, and work together to uphold the common interests of the developing world.

Onyeama said that Nigeria values China’s important role in international affairs, and appreciates the generous support and assistance from the Chinese government and people, which shows the solidarity and brotherly friendship between the two countries.

On vaccines, he agreed that developing countries including African countries are at a disadvantage. Nigeria applauds China’s decision to make the COVID-19 vaccine a global public good and believes that this demonstrates China’s large spirit and global vision. Nigeria’s relationship and friendship with China is forged on a solid foundation of mutual trust. The long-standing friendship can withstand the test of time and will not be affected by any external factors.

The two sides also exchanged views on the WTO and other matters.