Foreign and Military Affairs

Hu sends condolences to Nigerian president

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-06 23:13

BEIJING - President Hu Jintao on Thursday sent a message of condolence to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan over the death of former President Umaru Yar'Adua.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, Hu offered heartfelt condolences to the death of Yar'Adua, and extended sincere regards to the Nigerian government and people, as well as to the family of the late leader.

Hu said in his message that Yar'Adua was an outstanding leader who had devoted himself to Nigeria's development and national reconciliation.

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Yar'Adua, who was a friend of China, had been pursuing friendly relations with China and made important contributions to the development of the Sino-Nigeria strategic partnership, Hu said.

"We deeply regret the passing away of the late president," Hu said.

The Chinese government values the traditional friendship with Nigeria, and is willing to work with its government to further boost the strategic partnership between the two countries, Hu said.

Yar'Adua died Wednesday at the age of 58 in Nigeria's capital Abuja following a protracted illness.

Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as acting president of Nigeria on Thursday.