Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) hosts a welcoming ceremony in honor of his Nigerian counterpart Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in Beijing, China, February 28, 2008. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

China and Nigeria on Thursday vowed to expand cooperation from fields such as energy and telecommunications to agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing.

The two sides issued a joint press communique after talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Nigerian counterpart Umaru Yar'Adua, pledging to continue to promote the growth of relations.

During the talks, the heads of the state expressed satisfaction at the evolving strategic partnership between their two countries.

Hu said that since President Yar'Adua took office, the Nigerian government has paid high regard to relations with China, sticking to the one-China policy, and supporting China's peaceful reunification process.

Hu made four proposals to strengthen bilateral relations, including a strategic dialogue to cement mutual political trust, cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and cultural exchanges to increase mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues to safeguard common interests.