Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Togo's leadership on Wednesday, marking a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation. Xi praised the 'carefully nurtured' China-Togo relationship, which celebrated its elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership at September's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
In his message to newly-appointed Togo leader Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove, Xi emphasized five decades of 'equality, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation.' The Chinese president highlighted joint achievements in infrastructure development and healthcare collaboration, while reaffirming support for 'core interests' of both nations.
The diplomatic exchange coincides with Togo's recent governmental restructuring, which saw Faure Gnassingbe assume leadership of the Council of Ministers. Premier Li Qiang separately congratulated Gnassingbe, stressing opportunities for 'practical cooperation' under the FOCAC framework established during the 2024 summit.
Analysts note the timing underscores Africa's growing role in China's Global South partnerships. China has invested over $1.2 billion in Togolese phosphate mining and port development since 2010, with bilateral trade reaching $3.4 billion in 2023 according to Chinese customs data.
Xi's message concluded with a call to 'enrich the connotation' of the strategic partnership through technology transfer and agricultural modernization programs. The leaders agreed to accelerate implementation of FOCAC's 'Nine Programs' initiative focusing on digital economy and green energy collaboration.
