China News Service, August 20. According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on August 19, 2020, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Nigerian Foreign Minister Onyeama.
Wang Yi said that Nigeria is a major country with important influence. China attaches great importance to Nigeria’s status and role on the international stage. It always views and develops China-Nepal relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and firmly supports President Buhari in leading the Nigerian people to develop their economy and Improve people’s livelihood, maintain national security, and commit to peace and stability in Africa and the world. After the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, China and Nepal have supported and helped each other. China provided Nepal with anti-epidemic materials and shared its experience in epidemic prevention. Chinese companies and private institutions have also spontaneously provided Nepal with materials. The friendship and mutual trust between China and Nepal have been promoted and strengthened in the joint fight against the epidemic. China is willing to continue to provide help and support for Nepal's fight against the epidemic until it finally overcomes the epidemic.
Wang Yi emphasized that at present, vaccine research and development and use have aroused widespread international attention. Some powerful countries are seizing the market and even trying to monopolize resources. Developing countries are at a disadvantage. China has announced that the vaccine will be used as a public product after successful research and development to provide assistance to developing countries including African countries. China will continue to promote this process and strengthen vaccine cooperation with Africa.
Wang Yi said that for some time, the United States and other forces have continued to provoke China-Africa and China-Nepal relations, but this will never succeed. China's friendly tradition with African countries including Nigeria has withstood the test of time and the international situation. It has a brotherly friendship and will certainly be able to withstand any interference. We will continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Onyeama said that Nepal values China's important role in international affairs, and thanks the Chinese government and people for their generous support and assistance, which shows the close unity and brotherly friendship between Nepal and China. When it comes to vaccines, developing countries including Africa are indeed at a disadvantage. The Nigerian side highly appreciates China's preparation to use vaccines as an international public product, which demonstrates China's demeanor and global vision. Nepal-China relations and friendship are built on a solid foundation of mutual trust, long-term friendship, can withstand the test of time, and will not be interfered by any external factors.
The two sides also exchanged views on the World Trade Organization and other issues.