Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met in Beijing Friday with Nigerian Minister of Defense Rabiu Kwankwaso and his party.

During the meeting, Hui spoke highly of the friendly ties between the two countries and the two armed forces, expressing his appreciation for Nigeria's firm stance on the one-China policy, as well as Nigeria's support for China on some international affairs including the human rights issue.

Hui said that since China and Nigeria established diplomatic ties, Sino-Nigerian friendly ties have progressed smoothly, with frequent high-level visits and fruitful cooperation in various fields. Nigeria is an important trade partner of China in Africa, and China attaches great importance to the friendly ties with Nigeria, said Hui.

Hui also briefed the guests on China's reform and economic development situation.

Kwankwaso said he hoped to further boost friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China through his current visit.

Kwankwaso and his party are paying a seven-day visit to China as the guests of Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2004)