China signed a pact with Niger on Friday and agreed to grant the African country 30 million yuan (about US$3.72 million) in aid, according to news reports from Niger's capital Niamey.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador to Niger Chen Gonglai and Niger's acting Foreign Minister and Defense Minister Hassane Souley Dit Bonto.

Under the agreement, the Nigerien government could spend the money on projects agreed by the two governments.

At the signing ceremony, Souley said the assistance was another testimony to the friendly ties between China and Niger and the great importance attached by the Chinese leadership to the bilateral ties.

China has granted several concessional and interest-free loans to Niger under the two countries' cooperation framework, said Souley.

What's more, the projects constructed with the assistance of the Chinese government, such as the Zinder water supply project, the renovation of the Kountie gymnasium and stadium and a farm tool assembly plant have contributed greatly to Niger's poverty-reduction cause.

The two countries also have fruitful cooperation in the fields of energy, public health, water conservancy and troops, and the bilateral cooperative relations are a great example of South-South cooperation, Souley said.

He said Niger appreciates President Hu Jintao's pledge at the summit marking the 60th anniversary of the UN to give more assistance to African countries and strengthen cooperation with developing countries. His country is willing to strengthen the existing friendly and cooperative ties with China, Souley added.

He also expressed the Nigerien government's gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continuous assistance and support.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2005)