Chinese fleet visits Nigeria

A visiting Chinese fleet of the 16th naval escort squad sent by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy arrives in Lagos, capital of Nigeria, May 24, 2014. The 16th PLA naval escort squad started a four-day visit here on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Weiyi)

LAGOS, May 24 -- A visiting Chinese fleet of the 16th naval escort squad sent by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy arrived here Saturday for a four-day friendship visit to Nigeria.

The fleet, including new-type guide missile frigate Yancheng, guide missile frigate Luoyang and supply ship Taihu, carried at least 660 crew members.

The Chinese fleet was welcomed by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Gu Xiaojie and Rear Admiral E.G. Ofik, chief staff officer of Nigerian Western Naval Command.

Gu said the visit was expected to improve the relationship between the navies of the two countries.

The fleet commander, Senior Captain Li Pengcheng said the visit would enhance relations between the two navies as well as the two countries.

He added that the fleet was carrying out a journey of peace, friendship and cooperation, with China's solemn promise of safeguarding world peace and promoting friendship with Nigeria.

During the visit, the Chinese fleet is expected to conduct a series of programs, including meeting with high-level Nigerian officers, and carrying out professional exchanges as well as a joint exercise.