The Chinese Navy Escort Task Group (ETG) 162, comprising MSL Destroyer NANNING, MSL Frigate SANYA, and Supply Ship WEISHANHU, on Sunday began a visit to Nigeria towards strengthening he the military relationship between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Chi Jian Chun, said that the five-day visit would also enhance maritime security within West Africa.
Already, the MSL Destroyer NANNING made the port call at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Berth 21 while the other two ships remained at anchorage.
The 43rd Chinese naval escort task force had earlier docked at the Tema Port in Accra last Tuesday.
It set sail for the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia from a military port in Zhanjiang city, Southeast China’s Guangdong Province on the morning of January 10, 2023.
Chun, who said that the Chinese Naval delegation also involves more than 700 personnel, said: “The visit is to further deepen the relationship the two countries have with one another and also seek to strengthen and improve our relationship and cooperation with each other.
“This visit demonstrates the harmony and symphony between Nigeria and China.”
The ambassador said that China and Nigeria would continue to work together and promote peace and harmony while also seeking ways to make contributions to the international community.
“I believe that this visit will deepen the cooperation between both countries military sector so that we can work together to overcome obstacles.
“We will continue to do more things to facilitate and promote the relationship between the two countries,” Chun said.
Also, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan, said the visitation would further help to cement the relationship between the two countries.
This is “especially between the Nigerian Navy and the Chinese Navy as well as the military. This will help us fight crimes, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.
“During their period of stay, our men will be interacting, we will be having some sporting activities, exchange of momentous and gifts.
“We will also discuss the future of both navies, especially on how we can benefit from each other,” Akpan said.
The FOC added that the term called ‘sea riders’ enabled some of the Nigerian Navy personnel onboard the Chinese ship and they could also have some of their own men onboard our ship.
“This helps to foster friendship across the horizon,” Akpan said.
NAN reports that the Chinese people resident in Lagos came out in their numbers to welcome the Chinese envoy at the NPA.
There was also a rich display of the culture of the Chinese people which could be seen in the colourful display of their synchronised dance routine at the port. (NAN)