China on Friday called for a stronger and more mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between it and Nigeria.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Zhou Pinjian, made the appeal at the 2nd China-Nigeria Consular Forum in Abuja.
Pinjian said that diplomatic relationships were based on friendship, sincerity, trust, confidence, security, justice and shared values.
He noted that the 45 years of Chinese bilateral relationship with Nigeria was growing and called for a deeper diplomatic tie.
The ambassador cautioned against what he described as a miscommunication on both sides to avoid unwanted diplomatic row.
According to him, Nigeria possesses the political will to develop better China, but advised that Nigeria should adopt a systematic and phased approach to attain national development.
Pinjian explained that the forum was designed to facilitate communication and strengthen diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The envoy pledged Chinese resolve to support and cooperate with Nigeria to realise its national and global aspirations.
On his part, the Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Dang Ying, charged the Chinese community in Nigeria to be law abiding and stay in peace with their host communities.
However, Ying urged the Nigerian government to enforce laws justly and diligently.
Amb. Rabiu Dagari, the Director, Consular and Immigration Services, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Nigeria was inspired by the successes recorded by China in the areas of agriculture, science, information, communication and technological development.
While urging China to support Nigeria to achieve similar strides tremendously, Dagari also called on China to ease its visa processes for public officials and genuine businessmen and women.
He further urged China to stop treating all Nigerians visiting or staying in China as common criminals as not all Nigerians were violating their laws.
The director called for a mutually beneficially diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, represented by his deputy, DIG Gambo Lawal, in charge of Administration and Finance, assured the diplomatic community of police protection and security of their lives and property in the country.
Idris said the police had identified the Chinese as one of the most peaceful and law abiding foreign nationals in Nigeria.
However, he advised them to liaise with the police for their personal security, family and businesses.
Similarly, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, retired Col. Hameed Ali, represented by Mr Isyaku Kabiru, said the Service was ready to ease facilitation of businesses in the country and enjoined foreign investors to comply with extant rules.
NAN also reports that the forum was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Jigawa Government, the media and Chinese companies, among others. (NAN)