In order to improve bilateral ties between both countries, the Chinese Navy Escort Task Group 162 which is made up of the MSL Destroyer NANNING, MSL Frigate SANYA, and Supply Ship WEISHANHU visited Nigeria on Sunday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chi Jian Chun, said the visitation of the Chinese ambassador meeting with senior Nigerian Navy Personnel at NPA slated for July 2 to 6, will improve marine security in West Africa.
The MSL Destroyer NANNING made the port visit at Nigerian Port Authority Berth 21, while the other two ships stayed at anchorage.
Chun claimed that the delegation from China to Nigeria consisted of more than 700 individuals and three ships.
He stated that the purpose of the visit is to further deepen the bonds that already exist between both countries, as well as to improve and strengthen our working relationships.
He said, “This visit shows the symphony and harmony between Nigeria and China.”
The envoy then declared that China and Nigeria would keep cooperating to advance harmony and peace while also looking for methods to contribute to the global community.
“I believe this visit will strengthen the military sector collaboration between both countries so that we can cooperate to get things done,” Chun said.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, added that the visit would strengthen the ties between the two countries.
This is specifically “between the Chinese Navy and the military, as well as the Nigerian Navy. This will assist in the fight against crime, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Our men will socialize with them while they are here, and we’ll also engage in some sporting events and gift exchanges as we discuss specifically how we can cooperate better,” Akpan stated.
