Top Chinese Military Officer Visits NigeriaGeneral Chi Haotian, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, state councilor and minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, arrived in the Nigerian capital Abuja Tuesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Nigeria's Ministry of Defense.Upon his arrival, Chi said Nigeria is a big African country with significant influence, noting that China and Nigeria are far away from each other, but the friendship between the peoples of the two countries enjoys a long standing. He said the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Nigeria have made great progress since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago. "We have conducted fruitful and effective cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields," said Chi, adding the Chinese government and the People's Liberation Army attach great importance to developing friendly relations and cooperation with the West African country. Chi also stressed that the purpose of his visit to Nigeria is to enhance mutual understanding, develop friendship, broaden common ground and promote cooperation. The tour to Nigeria is Chi's last stop of his Latin American and African five-nation visit. He already visited Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Cote d'Ivoire. |
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