Joint Press Communiqué between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(Beijing, 28 February 2008)
At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the Federal Republic of Nigeria paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from 27 February to 1 March 2008. President Yar'Adua and his entourage were warmly received by the government and people of China.
During the visit, the two Presidents reviewed the sound growth of China-Nigeria relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They expressed satisfaction at the evolving strategic partnership and the momentum of the ties between their two countries in recent years, and decided to step up consultation between the two governments by launching a strategic dialogue in due course to promote the in-depth growth of bilateral relations.
The two leaders acknowledged the steady rise in the volume of trade, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries and pledged to further deepen and expand their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation. They agreed to promptly hold meetings of the joint commission between the two countries to take stock of achievements in bilateral trade and economic cooperation and plan future cooperation.
President Hu Jintao pledged China's support for President Yar'Adua's programme of economic and social transformation of Nigeria as reflected in the Seven Point Agenda.
On his part, President Yar'Adua applauded the remarkable achievements China has made in economic and social development and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the one-China policy.
The two Presidents reviewed developments in Africa and stressed the vital importance of enduring peace and stability to the progress and prosperity of the continent. The Chinese side hailed Nigeria's long-standing role in the cause of peace in Africa and the Nigerian side applauded the contribution made by China in support of the efforts of the African Union in the peaceful resolution of conflict situations in Africa. In this regard, the two leaders called for greater support of the international community to facilitate the early deployment of the African Union-United Nations hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur.
The Presidents underscored the essential nature of Africa-China cooperation. They reiterated that the two sides will continue to work to advance the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and expressed the view that the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the policy measures the Chinese Government adopted to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with Africa have provided a viable framework and strong support for promoting the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa.
President Hu Jintao and President Yar'Adua agreed to maintain regular contacts between Nigeria and China. The two leaders affirmed that such consultations and dialogue at the highest level were imperative at this time when the two countries seek to continue to play a positive role in regional and global affairs.
At the conclusion of the discussions, President Yar'Adua extended an invitation to President Hu Jintao to undertake a state visit to Nigeria. President Hu expressed thanks to President Yar'Adua for the invitation.