Congratulating Xi on his election as general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, Jonathan said he looks forward to working closely with the new Chinese leader to boost bilateral ties.
“I applaud and commend Jinping as well as outgoing president Hu Jintao and the Communist Party of China, for the orderly transfer of power to a new generation of leaders to the lead the country.
“I offer to work closely even with the Politburo Standing Committee, to strengthen existing cordial relations between Nigeria and China,” he said.
Jonathan expressed hope that under Xi’s leadership, the already robust trade and economic ties between the two countries would continue to grow for the benefits of the two peoples.
The Nigerian leader said his administration would continue to count on the support of the Chinese government for its developmental efforts in areas such as infrastructure, power, transportation and communication.
“I wish Jinping immense success in the discharge of his enormous responsibilities, as leader of the People’s Republic of China,” he added.
Xi, 59, took over the top posts of the CPC and the CPC Central Military Commission on Thursday, one day after the 18th CPC National Congress concluded in Beijing.