China to join search for Chibok girls

China has offered to help Nigeria in its efforts to rescue the 276 girls captured by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok, Borno State, last month.

US had made a similar offer that was accepted by Nigeria on Tuesday.

The Chinese government said on Wednesday that it would also assist Nigeria in the fight against terror.

President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed the offer at a joint press conference he addressed with the Premier of China, Li Keqiang, at the State House, Abuja.

Keqiang is in Abuja on an official visit and to attend the World Economic Forum on Africa.

Jonathan and Keqiang, as well as top government officials from both countries, had a closed door bilateral meeting at the Presidential Villa, during which several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed.

Addressing journalists after the bilateral meeting, President Jonathan said they examined issues of common interest to both countries.

He added that “we agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of defence and security and strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism, anti-piracy and combating organised crimes.

“The Premier expressed firm support to efforts at safeguarding our sovereignty and secure our territorial integrity, as well as promoting economic development.

“The Premier also promised that China will assist Nigeria in the fight against terror, especially our commitment and efforts to rescue the girls that were taken away from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State.”

Jonathan said that the meeting reviewed in particular, economic, trade, political and cultural relations.

Both countries also agreed that their central banks should promote local currency settlements to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

As earlier reported by TheCable, a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) has been agreed by both countries, paving the way for direct flights between them.

There are currently no direct flights between the countries.

The premier said Nigeria is one of China’s trading partners in Africa.

In 2013,  trade between both countries reached about $30.6 billion (about N4.9 trillion).

Keqiang said: “I wish to emphasise that we know that the government and people of Nigeria pay high attention to coastal rail project in Nigeria.

“The project is quite significant to the national security and economic development of the country. Chinese companies have already shown key interest in this project and the Chinese government will support co-operations between the two sides in terms of financing and experts.

“We want to work with Nigeria to the conclusion of the project so that it will bring benefits to the people of Nigeria.”