ABUJA - China and Nigeria agreed on Thursday to further deepen their political ties, promote pragmatic cooperation in key fields and strengthen coordination in regional and international affairs.

According to a joint statement signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Nigeria, the two countries would maintain the momentum of exchanges of visit at all levels so as to promote mutual understanding and trust.

The Nigerian side reiterated its commitment to One China policy, while the Chinese side expressed its firm support for Nigeria's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and in promoting economic development, said the statement.

As for consular and judicial cooperation, both parties agreed to take further steps to strengthen cooperation in the two fields, and implement their agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of defence and security, and strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-piracy and combating organized crimes.

They expressed their resolve to strengthen coordination and cooperation on issues related to Africa's peace and security. The Nigerian side expressed appreciation for China's active participation in the mediation of hot spot issues in Africa.

Hailing China-Nigeria strategic partnership as an important part of China-Africa relations, they agreed to promote all-round cooperation in poverty reduction, infrastructure, finance, human resources, cultural exchanges and environmental protection, said the statement.

As to the sixth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015, China and Nigeria decided to intensify consultations to make the event a success.

Li arrived here Tuesday for a visit to Nigeria, the second leg of his ongoing Africa tour, which has already taken him to Ethiopia and will see him travel to Angola and Kenya.