On April 15, 2002, President Jiang Zemin held talks with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at the latter's Presidential Palace. In a friendly and sincere atmosphere, both leaders had an in-depth exchange of views and reached extensive consensus on further promoting the overall cooperation between the two nations.

Obasanjo extended, on behalf of the Nigerian people and government, the warmest welcome to Jiang. He said the visit is very important and has far-reaching impact. China is developing at a fast pace and has played an increasingly significant role in international affairs. Obasanjo said that Nigeria and other African nations cherish high expectation for China and are ready to join hands with China to promote the overall, ever-lasting and good cooperation.

Jiang felt very glad as he met with Obasanjo for four times within three years, saying that since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 31 years ago, bilateral friendly cooperation has been proceeding in a stable way and in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. High-level exchange of visits between the two nations has increased, while exchanges and cooperation in various fields have expanded. The two countries have always supported each other and cooperated closely and there exists great potential and broad prospects for cooperation. China, the world's most populous developing nation, and Nigeria, Africa's most populous developing nation, share many similar points and should further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, with regard to the interests of the two peoples and in the perspective of promoting the world and regional peace and development. The Chinese government and people treasure the traditional friendship with Nigeria and are willing to work to push China-Nigeria friendly relations of long-term stability and all-round cooperation to a new high.

The two leaders aired their satisfaction over bilateral economic and trade cooperation and explored how to further open new areas of cooperation in the future in an in-depth way. Jiang said that in recent years, through joint efforts, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has achieved remarkable results and Nigeria has become one of China's most important trade partners in Africa. Last year, he said, the two signed a series of important documents, including a memorandum of cooperation between the two governments, which have served to create good conditions for expansion of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese business circles have taken a positive attitude towards mutually beneficial cooperation with the Nigerian side, thus bilateral economic and trade prospects are bright. To show the Chinese people's friendly feeling to the Nigerian people, he said that the Chinese government has decided to offer assistance to Nigeria to aid projects that the two sides have agreed upon.

Obasanjo expressed thanks for the friendly feelings of the Chinese people, and suggested the assistance from the Chinese government be channeled into improving medical and health care conditions of babies in Nigeria. He fully agreed with Jiang on his assessment of Nigeria-China economic cooperation and trade. There is strong complementarity in Nigeria-China economic cooperation. Particularly Chinese enterprises have their own advantages in transportation, telecommunication, agriculture, mining and other fields. Nigeria welcomes them to take part in its economic development.

Jiang also stated his views on the situation in Africa and China's Africa policy. He pointed out that in recent years, the general situation in Africa tends to ease. Seeking peace, stability and development is the commom aspirations of all African countries. New Partnership for Africa's Development, set by African leaders, is a major measure to promote peace and development on the African continent. China appreciates and support it. China is ready to cooperate with African countries on implementing the follow-up actions of China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

Jiang emphasized that the Chinese government attaches great importance to Africa. To strengthen and develop friendly relations and cooperation with African countries has always been an important part of China's independent foreign policy of peace. China will, according to the principles of sincerity, friendship, equal treatment, unity, cooperation, common developmentt and facing the future, establish a relationship of long-term stability and all-round cooperation with Africa.

Obasanjo said that New Partnership for Africa's Development is of great political, economic and social significance for the African continent. He thanked China's great assessment and positive support of the plan. Nigeria will continue to keep close contacts with China and conduct active cooperation with China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

After the talks, the two sides held a signing ceremony. Five documents on economic and technical cooperation, water conservancy cooperation, avoiding double tax levy and preventing tax evasion, and medical cooperation, and consular affairs were signed.