China's investments in Nigeria increase by 3 bln dollars

China's investments in Nigeria have increased by 3 billion U.S. dollars in the past three years, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Wang Yongqiu said here on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks during a farewell visit to Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at the State House.

Wang said the two-way trade between China and Nigeria also rosefrom 1.1 billion dollars to more than 3 billion during his tenure from 2002 to 2005.

Wang attributed the growth in trade between the two countries and China's investments in the most populous African country to joint efforts made by both the Chinese and Nigerian leaders.

He said President Obasanjo's commitment had led to "enhanced relations between us and deepened mutual trust," adding "we are now in a strategic partnership which has led to exchange of presidential, parliamentary and ministerial visits."

The Chinese outgoing ambassador also said he enjoyed his three-year tenure in Nigeria and promised to enlighten his compatriots about the country.

Earlier, Obasanjo had challenged the ambassador to encourage closer ties between the two countries.

"You now understand Nigeria better and its role in Africa, so you should encourage closer people-to-people relations between ourtwo peoples when you get back to China," he said.

Obasanjo also requested the out-going envoy to render assistance to efforts to teach Nigerians the Chinese language.

Source:Xinhua