On October 17, 2023, Vice President Han Zheng met in Beijing with Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Han Zheng said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Nigeria have witnessed flourishing development in friendly exchanges and practical cooperation. China always views China-Nigeria relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and stands ready to further enhance political mutual trust with Nigeria, join hands in advancing the modernization drive, and set a fine example of solidarity and cooperation between major developing countries. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed 10 years ago, has become a public good and cooperation platform universally recognized by the international community. Nigeria is a pioneering country in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in various fields and lead the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation.

Kashim Shettima said that the Nigerian side appreciates China's long-term support to Nigeria and other African countries. The Belt and Road Initiative provides important guidance for international development cooperation. Nigeria is ready to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and continuously deepen the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.