Chinese, Nigerian Vice-presidents Hail Bilateral Ties

Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao and Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar Tuesday are willing to lift the long lasting Sino-Nigerian cooperative ties to a new high.

They said this during their first-ever talks in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said since China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations 31 years ago, their bilateral ties have made healthy and steady progress. Their cooperation in a variety of fields has continuously expanded and they have supported each other and worked together in the international arena.

He said a wide range of consensus on a series of major issues reached by Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Nigerian President Olusegun Obsanjo has pointed out the right direction for the development of bilateral ties.

Hu also spoke highly of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

He said in recent years, bilateral trade has increased steadily and Nigeria has become one of China's most important trading partners in Africa. He also stressed that China is willing to work with Nigeria to fully tap the potential in this area.

While expressing China's appreciation and thanks to Nigeria for adhering to the "one-China" policy and supporting China in human rights issues, Hu also hailed the achievements Nigeria has made in maintaining national stability, national unity and economic growth as well as its vital role in international and regional affairs.

Hu stressed that China will, as always, be dedicated to promoting friendly cooperative ties with central Africa and will continue to join hands with African nations to promote the establishment of just and rational international political and economic orders.

Atiku said Nigeria values its special friendly ties with China and the bilateral ties are at an excellent stage, with which Nigeria is very satisfied.

Nigeria is very interested in the process of China's reform, opening and economic construction, he said, praising the great achievements China has made.

He hopes to increase exchanges and cooperation with China in many areas, and stressed that Nigeria will continue to adhere to the "one-China" policy.

After the talks, the two vice-presidents attended an agreement signing ceremony, during which they signed the consular agreement, the agreement on cooperation against illicit traffic and the abuse of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and the diversion of precursor chemicals, the exchange of notes on the provision of general goods and an agreement on tourism cooperation.

Prior to the talks, Hu presided over a grand welcoming ceremony in front of the eastern gate of the Great Hall of the People in honor of Atiku.

Atiku arrived in Beijing Monday morning for an official visit to China at the invitation of Hu. This is Atiku's first visit to China since assuming his current post.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2002)