I leave Nigeria with positive memories – Amb. Deng

China’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Deng Boqing, says he has ended his tour of duty in the country with positive memories, contrary to the earlier feeling of discomfort that inundated his thoughts when appointed to serve in Nigeria.

Mr Deng who spoke Thursday night at a farewell reception after serving three years in the country said his initial discomfort which was fuelled by a misunderstanding of Nigeria based on second-hand reports and negative international media reports eventually gave way to the warm and lively experience he got while staying in the country.

“My predecessor said I would find Nigeria a far better place than what I expected. Over the past three years, his words have found an echo in my heart. Everywhere I went, I was embraced with smiles. I will never forget, once in a Fulani village, I was received as if I was a family member. One of the elders expressed interest in visiting China, saying, “I don’t have a car, can I walk to China?’, I will never forget”, the ambassador said.

He noted that his positive impression about Nigeria had been enveloped in a general sense of oneness and conviviality between the peoples of both countries, especially as he was lucky enough to witness rapid development of Nigeria during his stay.

Ambassador Deng said his three years in Nigeria had seen strengthened relations between the two countries, evidenced by remarks and exchange of views between leaders of both countries when President Goodluck Jonathan visited China in July last year.

“Pragmatic cooperation between our two sides has been boosted in different areas, our collaboration has achieved so many number ones in China-Africa cooperation that Nigeria is now leading other African countries in its relations with China”, he said.