Jonathan Arrives China On 5-Day State Visit

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Li Yucheng and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country, Alhaji Aminu Wali was on hand at the Capital Airport in Beijing to welcome Mr. Jonathan, who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.


The President’s arrival marked the beginning of his five-day state visit to the Asian country during which several new agreements would be signed to boost bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defence, finance, trade, agriculture and communications.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati reads: “The President would be formally welcomed to China on Wednesday by President Xi Jinping at a grand ceremony scheduled to hold at the Great Hall of the People.

“Thereafter, the two leaders and their official delegations would hold bilateral talks at the end of which new agreements and memoranda of understanding would be signed.

“These include an agreement on defence cooperation between Nigeria and China, and an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation. Others are: an Agreement on Finance for the Zungeru Power Plant and Airport Terminals; and an Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports.”

“At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, President Jonathan and the First Lady would attend a state banquet to be given in their honour by President Jinping and his spouse,” the statement added.