Chinese scientific ship starts joint research mission in Nigeria waters

Chinese scientific research ship Dayang Yihao leaves the Apapa Harbor in Lagos, on Aug. 21, 2012. Chinese scientific research ship Dayang Yihao, or Ocean One, on Tuesday started its nine-day exploration and research mission in Nigeria's waters with Nigerian and Chinese scientists. (Xinhua/Niu Xiaoxi) LAGOS, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientific research ship Dayang Yihao, or Ocean One, on Tuesday started its nine-day exploration and research mission in Nigeria's waters with Nigerian and Chinese scientists. More than 100 Chinese and Nigerian scientists and officials attended the launching ceremony for sailing at the Apapa Hourbor in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, on Tuesday. Liu Xianfa, China's consul-general to Lagos, said "all of us are here to witness an important moment for Chinese and Nigerian scientists for the first time to engage in an maritime research, aiming to find more information on the ocean.

The scientific joint research program will benefit both of the two countries and the world people." "This joint oceanographic cruise is the first of its kind between our two countries and indeed the first of its kind between an African state and the Chinese government," said E. A. Ajao, Director of Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research. continued