By Lizzy Okoji
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to work together for the development of Nigeria.
Ciu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking to journalists on the sideline of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit which was held virtually.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit which is part of activities to mark the Centenary celebration of the CPC with the theme: “For the People’s Wellbeing: The responsibility of Political parties.”
Cui noted that with examples from the success of the CPC in China, the party was able to bring prosperity, peace and development to the people by working together with other smaller political parties.
He however, noted that it is important for all political parties in Nigeria, including the two major parties, APC and PDP to work together for the wellbeing of the Nigerian citizens.
“Party is not all about power, but about the people and the party really should have the cooperation.
“Because all the parties has its own purpose, but the most important purpose is serving for the progress of the people for the profit and also for the prospect of the people.
“So, today is a very special Conference with 500 parties from 160 countries and the Chinese President delivered a speech and the purpose is trying to raise the awareness of the importance of party.
“Because most of the countries across the world, party politics is the mainstream and most countries are using the party politics to run the country.
“And we believe that in the 21st century, the first paramount importance is how we can have a party to serve the people, the interest of the people and also to work together to address the challenges.
“There is huge room potentials for the two parties, including PDP and the APC which are the major parties.
“I do believe that there are lot of things that the two parties can share. For example, in China, the party takes the leadership, not only for fighting poverty but for the direction of the country for working together.
“So, I do believe that the two parties could work together,”Cui said.
The Ambassador said that the lessons learnt from China could be beneficial to developing countries as the CPC has helped in lifting 800 million people off poverty.
Cui added that the CPC could only tell countries to learn from its successes, but not to impose its ideologies on them as every country has its national policies.
Delivering his Speech, President Xi Jinping of China, who is also the General Secretary of the CPC, also urged world political parties to always work for the wellbeing and development of their citizens and nations.
President Xi said that over the past 100 years, the CPC has united the Chinese people and helped in realizing the great transformation of the country and the people.
“The CPC has always connected the future of the Chinese people with that of other people.
“And stirred the course of Chinese development in line with the chime of the world and tide of times to promote common development and progress of all countries.
“The historic achievements made by the CPC and the Chinese people would not have been possible without the general supports of the world people.
“On behalf of the Chinese people and the CPC, I will like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the political parties, people and friends.
“And all people who have cared about, supported and helped the CPC towards the development and reform of China.
“Political parties as an important force behind human progress need to set wide course for, and shoulder their historic responsibilities to ensure the people’s wellbeing and human progress,”President Xi said.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the CPC for setting the pace of good leadership and collaboration with political parties that has led to its successes development of China.
“Many of us participating in this summit owe a great wealth of gratitude to the Communist Party of China for its unwavering support and solidarity.
“We applaud the CPC’s Internationalist polices which over the cause of many decades has promoted the multilateralism, understanding and peace.
“As Africans, we deeply appreciate the progressive policies that China has made in supporting the development of our continent, Africa and the aspirations of our people.
“We do this convinced and convicted that indeed China has been a good friend and a loyal friend to many of us in the African continent through measures like the Belt and Road Initiative and extensive skills development.
“China continues to support economic reforms, constructive developments, enhanced trade and greater integration amongst African economies”, Ramaphosa said. (NAN)
