Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to work together for the development of Nigeria.
Ciu made the appeal Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Summit of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and global political parties that was held virtually.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the summit which is part of the activities marking the celebration of the centenary of the CCP has as its theme: “For the welfare of the people: the responsibility of political parties”.
Cui noted that with examples of the CCP’s success in China, the party was able to bring prosperity, peace and development to the people by working with other smaller political parties.
He noted, however, that it is important that all political parties in Nigeria, including the two main parties, the APC and the PDP, work together for the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“The party is not only about power, but about people and the party should really have cooperation.
“Because all parties have their own purpose, but the most important purpose is to serve the progress of the people for profit and also for the perspective of the people.
“So today is a very special conference with 500 parties from 160 countries and the Chinese president gave a speech and the aim is to try to raise awareness of the importance of the party.
“Because in most countries of the world party politics is the mainstream and most countries use party politics to run the country.
“And we believe that in the 21st century, the first and foremost importance is how we can have a party to serve the people, the interest of the people and also work together to meet challenges.
“There is huge room potential for both parties, including the PDP and the APC which are the main parties.
“I believe there is a lot that both sides can share. For example, in China, the party takes leadership, not only to fight poverty, but for the leadership of the country to work together.
“So I think the two sides could work together,” Cui said.
The ambassador said the lessons learned from China could be beneficial for developing countries, as the CCP has helped lift 800 million people out of poverty.
Cui added that the CCP could only tell countries to learn from its successes, but not to impose its ideologies on them because each country has its national policies.
In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the CPC General Secretary, also urged political parties around the world to always work for the well-being and development of their citizens and nations.
President Xi said that over the past 100 years, the CCP has united the Chinese people and helped achieve the great transformation of the country and the people.
“The CCP has always linked the future of the Chinese people to that of others.
“And stirred the course of Chinese development in accordance with the chime of the world and the tide of time to promote the common development and progress of all countries.”
“The historic achievements of the CCP and the Chinese people would not have been possible without the general support of the peoples of the world.
“On behalf of the Chinese people and the CCP, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to political parties, people and friends.
“And all the people who cared, supported and helped the CCP towards China’s development and reform.
“Political parties, as an important force for human progress, must chart a broad course and shoulder their historic responsibilities to ensure the well-being of the people and human progress,” said President Xi.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the CPC for setting the tone for good leadership and collaboration with political parties that has led to its success in China’s development.
“Many of us attending this summit owe a great debt of gratitude to the Chinese Communist Party for its unwavering support and solidarity.
“We applaud the internationalist policies of the CCP which, over the decades of the cause, have promoted multilateralism, understanding and peace.
“As Africans, we deeply appreciate the progressive policies that China has put in place to support the development of our continent, Africa and the aspirations of our people.
“We do so, convinced and convinced that indeed China has been a good friend and a staunch friend to many of us on the African continent through measures such as the Belt and Road Initiative and in-depth skills development.
“China continues to support economic reforms, constructive developments, improved trade and greater integration among African economies,” Ramaphosa said. (NAN)
