In a significant move to bolster Sino-African relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to assist Eritrea in its industrialization and agricultural modernization efforts. The commitment was made during a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on the sidelines of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held this week in Beijing.
President Xi emphasized China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Eritrea across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. He commended Eritrea for its independent foreign policy and steadfastness in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity.
“China views its relationship with Eritrea from a strategic and long-term perspective,” President Xi stated. “We are willing to deepen political mutual trust and advance practical cooperation to achieve common development.”
Highlighting the importance of mutual benefit and fairness, President Xi called for strengthened exchanges at all levels and the sharing of governance experiences. He urged the effective utilization of initiatives like the Belt and Road cooperation and platforms such as FOCAC to foster collaboration.
On international matters, both leaders acknowledged their shared views on major regional and global issues. President Xi expressed the need for continued collaboration to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
President Isaias Afwerki expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding friendship and support. “Eritrea-China relations have a profound history and strong cooperation,” he remarked, reaffirming Eritrea’s firm adherence to the one-China policy.
The Eritrean leader expressed hope to deepen cooperation in fields such as energy, infrastructure, and oceanography. “Cooperating with China will continue to help African countries achieve greater development and resist colonialism and hegemony,” President Afwerki added.
During the summit, China and Eritrea are expected to sign bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as agriculture and radio and television, marking a new chapter in their partnership.
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President Xi pledges to assist Eritrea's modernization process
cgtn.com
