Chinese President Hu Jintao's special envoy Xu Jialu met with Nigerian new president Umaru Yar'Adua in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, on Tuesday.

Yar'Adua conveyed his regard to the Chinese president. He spoke highly of the Nigeria-China relations and said now the relations between the two countries are in the best period for development.

He said Nigeria welcome Chinese companies to invest and to engage in cooperation. He expects the strategic partnership of thetwo countries to further develop.

Xu, also vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, expressed congratulations on Yar'Adua's taking office as Nigerian president.

He said the Chinese side will make joint efforts with the Nigerian side to promote the strategic partnership to a new high.

Before Yar'Adua's presidential inauguration ceremony, the out-going President Olusegun Obasanjo met with Xu Jialu and his party.

Obasanjo expressed thanks to China's help in infrastructure construction, agriculture and telecommunication sectors.

He said he will continue his efforts to contribute to the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

Source: Xinhua