China will make concerted efforts with Nigeria to enhance relations between the two countries, visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said on Monday.

 

When meeting Nigerian Foreign Minister, Oluyemi Adeniji, Li said Sino-Nigerian ties have developed smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic relations 35 years ago.

 

He said during a visit to China last year, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Hu Jintao reached consensus on establishing a strategic partnership of political mutual-trust, economic mutual-benefit, and mutual assistance on international affairs, thus bringing bilateral ties to a new high.

 

Adeniji, for his part, said his country is willing to maintain the present momentum in relations.

 

The Nigerian government will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and promote common development of the two countries, he added.

 

To continuously boost Sino-Nigerian strategic partnership, the two sides have reached agreement in four key areas:

 

-- Enhancing political exchanges and making good use of mechanisms such as consultation between their foreign ministries;

 

-- Deepening and broadening trade and economic cooperation to realize trade balance;

 

As an important trade partner and investment destination in Africa, Nigeria welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country in the fields of agriculture, energy, electric power, infrastructures, communication and satellite research;

 

-- Promoting exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture and education;

 

China will continue to provide scholarship for Nigerian students, while Nigeria hopes that the teaching of the Chinese language could be strengthened there; and

 

-- Strengthening consultation and coordination in international affairs, including human rights, peacekeeping missions, development aid and prevention of HIV/AIDS, through the United Nations and other multilateral organizations to safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

 

Nigeria praises and welcomes a document recently released by the Chinese government on its policy towards Africa. It also hopes that China could continuously support and participate in the continent's peace and development process.

 

The two sides have agreed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, and to accelerate the progress of Sino-African relations.

 

After the meeting, the two foreign ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a strategic partnership, as well as an accord on economic and technical cooperation.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2006)