Wu Bangguo (L1), chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee, is greeted by Aminu Masari (R1), Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives, and Adolphus Wabara (C), President of Nigerian Senate, before holding talks in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, Nov. 7, 2004.

 

 

 

China's top legislator Wu Bangguo Sunday held talks with President of Nigerian Senate Adolphus Wabara, and Speaker of House of Representatives Aminu Masari, exchanging views on strengthening exchange and cooperation betweentwo countries and two legislative bodies.

The Nigerian Speakers warmly welcomed Wu's official good-will visit to Nigeria, saying the visit is of great importance to further deepening the bilateral relations and parliamentarian exchanges in the new century.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, highly appraised the traditional Sino-Nigerian friendship, saying the two countries have made fruitful cooperation in various sectors and in the international arena since they established diplomatic relations 33 years ago.

"Joint efforts by the two governments, parliaments and other sectors have made rapid progress in further developing the bilateral relations over the past few years," he said.

Wu noted the two countries have maintained impetus of frequent high-level visits, increased mutual trust, made major progress in economic cooperation.

He said China and Nigeria have close collaboration and mutual support in the international affairs to safeguard both the common interests of the two countries and those of the developing countries.

"Regarding Nigeria as a trustworthy friend and a sincere partner, the new collective leadership of China pays great attention to Sino-Nigerian relations, and stands ready to promote the friendly cooperation in various sectors to a high level in order to benefit both peoples," he added.

Wu expressed China's appreciation and gratitude for the Nigerian government and parliament in supporting China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and others, saying such a support has further consolidated Sino-Nigerian ties.

The Nigerian speakers said in line with President Obasanjo's policy toward China, Nigerian parliament will honor the "One-China" policy.

On contacts between the two parliaments, Wu said the NPC and Nigerian National Assembly have maintained friendly cooperative relations over the past few years as their leaders visited each other frequently and special committees kept continuous contacts.

He invited Masari to visit China, and welcomed more Nigerian parliamentarians to pay visit to China to promote economic and cultural exchanges.

Wu suggested both sides learn from each other to boost exchanges on law making in order to enrich the development of state to state relations.

Before the meeting at the National Assembly, Wu held informal discussions with members of Nigerian business community and officials in charge of economic affairs.

Wu, who is on a four-nation African tour that had taken him to Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia, is expected to meet with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo before concluding his visit to Nigeriaon Monday afternoon.

Source: Xinhua