Visiting Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo Friday was awarded an honorary doctorate by China's prestigious Beijing University.

President of Beijing University Xu Zhihong said the doctor degree was awarded for Obasanjo thanks to his contribution to peace keeping and democracy.

China and Nigeria have enjoyed long-term friendly relations, Xu said, hoping that Obasanjo's visit will further promote understanding and friendship between the two sides.

Obasanjo said he is very glad to see great achievements made by Beijing University in research on Africa, hoping that Nigeria will also increase research on China.

He proposed to set up distant education between Nigeria and China, so that Nigerian students would learn Chinese language and culture in their country.

"China is a leading nation in the 21st century," Obasanjo said. He said he hoped other African countries would also strengthen relations with China.

Obasanjo presented a copy of his book "This Animal Called Man" to Beijing University.

Obasanjo arrived in Beijing on Thursday morning for a four-day state visit to China as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

This is Obasanjo's third visit to China since assuming the presidency in 1999. He is now visiting China in the capacity of Nigerian president and rotating president of the African Union.

Source: Xinhua