On the morning of March 25, 2005, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with visiting Nigerian Foreign Minister Oluyemi Adeniji in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

 

Li said bilateral relations have been developing in a stable and sound manner since China and Nigeria established diplomatic ties 34 years ago. With frequent top-level exchanges, robust economic and trade cooperation and enhanced consultation and cooperation in international and regional affairs, bilateral relations have entered a new period of all-round development since President Olusegun Obasanjo took office in 1999. Li expressed appreciations to the government of Nigeria for upholding the one-China policy and for supporting China's Anti-Secession Law, singing high praise for the important role of Nigeria in African affairs. He indicated China would like to work with Nigeria to promote continuous new development of bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.

 

Adeniji said Nigeria-China relations have been developing with a sound momentum since the unveiling of the new millennium. The top-level exchanges of visit between the two countries have strongly pushed forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Adeniji reiterated that the government of Nigeria sticks to the one-China policy and believes it is perfectly lawful for China to formulate the Anti-Secession Law for which Nigeria renders its full support.

 

Foreign Minister Adeniji arrived in Beijing on March 23 for a working visit to China at the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.