Yar'Adua said Nigeria was willing to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation with China in such fields as trade, infrastructure and energy.

Earlier, Yar'Adua met with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, saying Nigeria believed the expansion of reciprocal cooperation with China would help Nigeria to achieve its economic development.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in Beijing, China, February 28, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Xueren )

China's assistance to Africa was purely selfless, and only aimed to help Africa accelerate its independence, Wen told Yar'Adua. China would continue to work with African countries, including Nigeria, to comprehensively implement the Action Plan adopted during the Sino-Africa Beijing Summit last year for the benefit of all.

As guest of Hu, Yar'Adua arrived on Wednesday for a four-day state visit, the first since he assumed office in May 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency February 29, 2008)