Chinese, Nigerian presidents hold talks on ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2013. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with visiting Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on strengthening bilateral partnership and China-Africa relations.

Xi applauded the good development of China-Nigeria ties in recent years and stressed that China is ready to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation so as to better benefit the two peoples.

The two countries should strengthen high-level communication, further mutual understanding and support on issues involving their national core interests and deepen political trust and cooperation, Xi said.

He also called on both sides to promote exchanges in various departments and levels so as to learn governance experience from each other.

To promote common development, the president said, China and Nigeria can strengthen pragmatic cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, trade, investment, energy, aerospace, agriculture, construction of economic cooperation zones, defense and security.

China will continue to make efforts to balance bilateral trade and train talents for Nigeria, Xi said, calling on Nigeria to create favorable conditions and a fair environment for Chinese companies.

Xi said the two countries should expand cultural exchanges to consolidate the friendship between the two peoples.

He suggested the two sides enhance cooperation and exchanges in terms of sports, media, colleges and universities, think-tanks and the youth, and guarantee the security and legitimate rights of each other's citizens and institutions.