BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with the presidents of Burundi, Central African Republic, Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, and the Republic of Congo in the Chinese capital.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Central African Republic leader Faustin-Archange Touadera, Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Liberian leader Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Madagascar’s Andry Nirina Rajoelina, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, and the Republic of Congo leader Denis Sassou Nguesso are in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China, Congo ink agreements

The Chinese leader held a welcome ceremony for Sassou Nguesso, who is on a state visit to China, and held talks with him.

During their talks, Xi congratulated the Republic of Congo on becoming the African co-chair of FOCAC.

The summit's outcomes will benefit all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China and advance China-Africa cooperation to new heights, Xi said, adding that the outcomes are of great significance for guiding the development of China-Africa ties and achieving modernization for both sides.

China will work with the Republic of Congo to better play their leading role as FOCAC co-chairs and to show the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly build an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era, he said.  

China supports the Republic of Congo in diversifying its economy and encourages Chinese companies to participate in key infrastructure and regional connectivity projects in the country, Xi said.

He said China is willing to enhance international cooperation with the Republic of Congo in global governance and other areas.

Sassou Nguesso said many Chinese companies have participated in projects across various sectors, such as fisheries and infrastructure, in the Republic of Congo, and contributed to the country's economic and social development.

He expressed gratitude for China's strong support for Africa's development, saying the Republic of Congo is ready to work closely with China to implement the outcomes of this summit.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements in areas such as Belt and Road cooperation, the digital economy, human resources and news media.

The two sides issued a joint statement.

Before the talks, a welcoming ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People.  

China-Burundi ties elevated

During their talks, the Chinese and Burundian presidents announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said China-Burundi relations have stood the test of changes in the international landscape. Continuously promoting bilateral relations is in the interests of both countries and is of exemplary significance for Global South countries to unite and strengthen themselves.

He expressed the hope that the two countries will take the implementation of the summit outcomes as an opportunity to further enhance their relations.

Sino-Liberia strategic partnership

President Xi and Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

The Chinese and Liberian people have shared weal and woe in jointly fighting Ebola and COVID-19 in recent years, and sincerely cooperated in national development, adding new substance to bilateral relations, said Xi.

He called for strengthened exchanges and dialogue, and mutual support on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns to safeguard the national sovereignty, security and development interests of both countries.

China is willing to support Liberia in infrastructure construction within its capacity and step up bilateral cooperation in maritime transportation, agriculture, resources and other fields, he noted.

As members of the Global South, China and Liberia should work with other developing countries to jointly uphold fairness and justice, and promote the development of global governance toward a more just and equitable direction, added the Chinese leader.

China, Somalia elevate ties

The Chinese and Somali presidents announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Meeting Somali President Mohamud, Xi said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Somalia in areas such as economy, trade, fisheries and human resources training.

China will continue to provide assistance to international peacekeeping operations in Somalia and support the country in enhancing its capabilities of independent development, counter-terrorism and maintaining stability, he said.

Mohamud expressed gratitude to China as it has supported Somalia in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promoting economic development.

Somalia aspires to security and stability, and regards China as a reliable and trustworthy partner and friend, Mohamud said, adding that his country hopes to constantly deepen friendship and cooperation with China.  

During the summit, the two sides signed bilateral cooperation documents covering fields such as radio and television.