China is ready to work with Nigeria in a spirit of sincere friendship, reciprocity and mutual support. And China stands ready to step up mutually beneficial cooperation and press ahead with the China-Nigeria relationship.

China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival at Nigeria's capital of Abuja. He began an official goodwill visit to the west African country on Saturday.

Wu Bangguo says the government and people of Nigeria have made great strides in recent years. He noted Nigeria plays a unique and positive role in mediating African conflicts, as well as in promoting the integration process and enhancing South-South cooperation.

Wu also says the African nation plays an active role in facilitating North-South dialogue as well as in other regional and international affairs. Wu Bangguo said the China-Nigeria relationship has been growing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago.

During his visit in Nigeria, the chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress is expected to hold talks with Nigerian leaders, exchanging views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest.

Wu Bangguo concluded his official goodwill visit to Zambia before arriving in Nigeria, the last leg of his four-nation African tour.

On Friday in Lusaka, Wu Bangguo met with Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa. Wu Bangguo said the relationship between China and Zambia has gradually improved over the last 4 decades. And now relations have achieved a stable and developing new phase. Mwanawasa said Zambia enjoys a very good relationship with China, and that he was happy to meet with Wu Bangguo.

The Zambian President also reaffirmed Zambia's support of the "one China" policy, agreeing that Taiwan is a province of China. After the meeting, Wu and Mwanawasa attended the signing ceremony of several bilateral economic and technical cooperation agreements.

Wu Bangguo's African tour has also taken him to Kenya and Zimbabwe. He is expected to leave Nigeria for Beijing on Monday.

(CCTV.com November 7, 2004)