China's top legislator kicks off visit to Nigeria

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee, flied into Nigeria's capital Abuja from Lusaka of Zambia Saturday afternoon to start an official goodwill visit to the west African country.

Wu said in a written statement upon his arrival China is ready to work with Nigeria, in the spirit of sincere friendship, reciprocity, mutual support and orienting towards the future, to consolidate and deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and constantly push forward the China-Nigeria relationship.

In recent years, Wu said, under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the government and people of Nigeria have been actively facilitating national reconciliation, making efforts to maintain social stability, vigorously promoting social and economic reform, and have made great progress in all undertakings.

He noted Nigeria plays a unique and positive role in resolving African conflicts through mediation, promoting the integration process, enhancing South-South cooperation, facilitating North-South dialogue and other regional and international affairs.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, he said, the China-Nigeria relationship has been growing smoothly.

"Our two peoples have accorded each other understanding and support in safeguarding sovereignty and pursuing nation building, thus fostering a profound traditional friendship between us," he said.

"In recent years, our two countries have continuously strengthened political mutual trust, enjoyed good momentum of economic cooperation and trade, and witnessed swift progress in their exchanges and cooperation in other fields," he said, adding the two countries have supported and cooperated closely with each other in international affairs.

During his visit in Nigeria, Wu is expected to meet and hold talks with the Nigerian leaders to exchange views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest.

Wu is here as guest of Adolphus Wabara, President of the Senate, and Aminu Masari, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Wu was accorded a warm welcome by the Nigerian parliamentary leaders when he arrived at the airport in Abuja.

Wu had just concluded his official goodwill visit to Zambia, before coming to Nigeria, the last leg of his four-nation African tour. He is expected to wind up his Nigerian tour and leave for Beijing on Nov. 8.

Source: Xinhua