Nigeria

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, the strategic partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria continued to grow and deepen, with marked progress in practical cooperation in various fields.

The two countries enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges. From 17 to 19 September, NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang paid an official goodwill visit to Nigeria. He met or had talks with Nigerian President Goodluck Johnathan, National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party Bamanga Tukur, President of the Senate David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal. In 2013, Chinese Vice Culture Minister Ding Wei, Vice Agriculture Minister Chen Xiaohua, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office Li Wufeng, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs Zhong Jianhua visited Nigeria separately.

From 9 to 12 July, Nigerian President Jonathan paid a state visit to China. He had talks with President Xi Jinping and met with Premier Li Keqiang and NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang. The two sides had an indepth exchange of views and reached extensive agreement on enhancing the friendly relations between China and Nigeria and deepening practical cooperation, and signed five documents, including the Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports and the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In November, National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party Tukur led a delegation to China. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo came to China to attend the 2013 "Understanding and Cooperation" Dialogue. Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar came to China for the 17th China International Fair for Investment and Trade. Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism Edem Duke, Minister of Federal Capital Territory Bala Mohammed and Governor of Kano Muhammad Kwankwaso visited or attended international conferences in China.

Practical cooperation between the two countries in economy and trade delivered much fruit. China and Nigeria signed financing agreements for projects including the Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Project, the Airports Expansion Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Plant Project. In January, a China-assisted general hospital was commissioned.

Cultural cooperation between the two countries produced several highlight events. In September, an unveiling ceremony was held for the China Cultural Center in Abuja. A series of cultural events were then held at the center, such as Experiencing China and Charming China photo exhibition. In October, the Nigerian Cultural Center in Beijing hosted the second Nigeria Cultural Week in Nanjing. An artware delegation from Nanjing participated in the sixth African Arts and Crafts Expo in Nigeria. An art troupe from Jilin Province participated in the 2013 Abuja Carnival in Nigeria.