Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Beijing, China, on Monday to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum, a global event that aims to promote cooperation and development among participating countries.
He was welcomed by the Nigerian Ambassador, Baba Ahmad Jidda, and other staff of the Nigerian Embassy in China.
Shettima also met with some Nigerian students who are studying in various Chinese universities under different scholarship programs. He encouraged them to excel in their academic pursuits and to be good ambassadors of Nigeria. According to the latest statistics, there are almost 7,000 Nigerian students in China, making Nigeria the top African country with the largest number of students in China.
The Vice President also addressed the Economic Community of West Africa States Ambassadors in China and discussed issues of regional integration and cooperation. ECOWAS is a regional bloc of 15 West African countries that seeks to promote economic trade, self-reliance, and peace among its members.
The 3rd edition of the Belt and Road Initiative Forum will officially start on Tuesday, with the theme: “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”
The forum will feature high-level dialogues, thematic forums, exhibitions, and cultural events. About 140 world leaders are expected to attend the forum, which is hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the forum.
