Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe on Monday, expressing China's commitment to enhance political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation with Togo. The meeting took place in Beijing ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi emphasized China's readiness to collaborate with Togo in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, water conservancy, and connectivity. He highlighted the importance of deepening multilateral collaboration to promote regional solidarity and stability.
During the meeting, the two leaders jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Xi appreciated President Gnassingbe's long-term contributions to the development of China-Togo relations and the building of the FOCAC mechanism.
Xi noted that the China-Togo relationship has demonstrated resilience and vitality in the new era. "The two sides always uphold mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns," he said, adding that their friendship has grown stronger over time with unbreakable mutual trust.
Speaking about the upcoming FOCAC Summit, President Xi stated that it will map out a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation and mark a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. He expressed China's willingness to work closely with Togo to ensure the summit's success.
President Gnassingbe acknowledged China's crucial support and cooperation for Africa's security and development in a world facing increasing risks and threats. He expressed that friendly exchanges and cooperation with China have significantly promoted Togo's capacity building and national development.
Gnassingbe looked forward to strengthening cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, science, technology, and the digital economy. He also expressed confidence that the upcoming summit will inject new impetus into Africa-China cooperation.
Reaffirming Togo's position, President Gnassingbe said his country firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reference(s):
President Xi calls for expanding practical cooperation with Togo
cgtn.com
