Chinese President End Visit to Nigeria

President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China ended a three day visit to Nigeria this week.

During the visit President Zemin discussed with his host President Olusegun Obasanjo wide-ranging issues affecting bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters of common interest.

A communiqué issued at the end of the visit reaffirmed the readiness of both countries to expand economic relations and facilitate the establishment of a just and equitable new international political and economic order.

The two countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and firmly support international effort to fight the scourge. They supported democratisation of the United Nations with greater representation of the African States in the Security Council.

China expressed her support for the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) initiative and expresses the willingness to work with the international community to assist Africa achieve sustainable economic development. Nigeria on her part reiterated her support for a one China policy whereby Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and Nigeria will only enter into private sector led trade and economic relations with Taiwan.

Five agreements covering economic and technical co-operation, water resources, medical and health services, consular matters and avoidance of double taxation were signed between the two countries at the end of the visit. President Zemin befor leaving Abuja announced a $3.5 million development grant to Nigeria as a token of friendship. Chinese trade mission is expected soon in Nigeria to discuss expansion of co-operation and trade between the two countries.