China and Nigeria signed a joint communiqué on bilateral
relations on Thursday during President Hu Jintao's visit to the
West African country.
The following are excerpts of the document:
Steady growth of friendly relations and cooperation
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of
the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Nigeria
over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic
relations. The two sides expressed their readiness to expand
cooperation in various fields and to work, on the basis of the
principles of treating each other with sincerity and friendship and
as equals, drawing on their respective strengths and achieving
common development to promote the continued growth of the strategic
partnership between the two countries and the well-being of the two
peoples.
One-China policy
The two sides pledged to support each other on issues relating
to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Nigerian side
reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to
"Taiwan independence" in any form including de jure
"Taiwan independence" and to Taiwan's participation in any
international or regional organization whose membership applies
only to sovereign states. The Nigerian side also reiterated its
position of not having official relations or contact with Taiwan
and its support for all efforts made by the Chinese government to
realize national reunification. The Chinese side highly appreciated
the above-mentioned position of the Nigerian side.
Great potential for economic cooperation
The two sides shared the view that China and Nigeria have great
potential and broad prospects for economic cooperation and agreed
to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, electric power,
infrastructure construction, energy, telecommunications and human
resources development. The two governments will continue to
encourage entrepreneurs of the two countries to increase exchanges
and expand cooperation and will create favorable conditions to
facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
Strategic partnership
The two sides expressed their readiness to work in the spirit of
their existing strategic partnership to step up cooperation in
international affairs, uphold the rights and interests of
developing countries, promote world peace and development, and
foster a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity.
The Chinese side appreciated Nigeria's efforts to maintain regional
peace and stability and promote African integration. The two sides
had an extensive discussion on the issue of UN reform, and decided
to work with other UN member states to realize the vision as
spelled out in the 2005 World Summit outcome document.
Friendly relations and cooperation between China and
Africa
The two sides spoke highly of the friendly relations and
cooperation between China and Africa and expressed their
willingness to work together to promote a new type of strategic
partnership with Africa, featuring political equality and mutual
trust, economic win-win relations and cultural exchange. The two
sides looked forward to strengthening their consultation and
coordination to ensure the success of the up-coming
high-level?China-Africa Cooperation Forum, which will be
convened in Beijing. President Obasanjo accepted Hu's invitation to
attend the event.
(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2006)
