Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari exchanged congratulatory messages on Wednesday on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Xi noted that over the past half century, the two countries have seen their traditional friendship grow stronger and practical cooperation bear rich fruit, and have coordinated closely on international and regional affairs.

In recent years, the China-Nigeria strategic partnership has shown a sound momentum of development, and has effectively improved people's well-being in both countries, Xi said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has joined hands with African nations including Nigeria in the fight, which has demonstrated the brotherly friendship between China and Africa featuring solidarity in the face of adversity, he added.

Xi stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nigeria relations, and stands ready to work with Buhari to take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to make positive contributions to the building of a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

He suggested that the two sides carry forward their traditional friendship and deepen cooperation in various fields within the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.