Xi highlights Sino-African mutual trust

In talks with two leaders from continent, he also calls for strengthening exchanges, promoting equality

President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

'Strong friendship' of people of Botswana not forgotten

China and Botswana should enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation to raise bilateral ties to a new level, President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday.

China is ready to seek greater synergies in development strategies with Botswana and welcomes the Botswanan side to actively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi told Masisi, who is in Beijing for a state visit and the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which will be held on Monday and Tuesday.

The two countries should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and step up cooperation in the protection of wild animals, he said.

"I paid a visit to your country eight years ago, and I experienced in person the strong friendship from the people of Botswana to the Chinese people," Xi said.

He said China appreciates efforts by the government of the southern African nation toward bilateral friendship as well as its deepening of cooperation with China across the board.

The two sides should step up high-level visits and strengthen the exchanges between governments, legislative bodies and local levels, as well as those regarding governance experience, he said.

The two countries should also provide mutual understanding and support on issues relating to respective development paths, core interests and major concerns, Xi said.

He added that the two sides should strengthen communication and coordination over international and regional affairs and jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Masisi said Botswana has maintained friendly relations with China since its independence in 1966, and the Botswanan people appreciate the precious help from the Chinese side in infrastructure construction, medical care and livelihood projects.

Botswana hopes to borrow from China's experience in development and poverty reduction, he said.

Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates the support China has provided to Africa in anti-colonialism, fighting for national independence and national development, he said.

Masisi said Botswana supports the "great concept" of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, and will remain committed to expanding bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.[page]

President Xi Jinping accompanies Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore at a welcoming ceremony on Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Progress of Burkina Faso's renewed ties wins praise

China and Burkina Faso have made encouraging progress in developing bilateral ties since the two nations resumed diplomatic relations three months ago, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remark while meeting with Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Witnessed by the two presidents, China and Burkina Faso signed a number of documents to enhance cooperation in such areas as agriculture, trade, investment and diplomacy.

China would like to plan and promote bilateral relations from a strategic and visionary view, Xi said, adding that the two sides should enhance political mutual trust and boost exchanges.

China supports the efforts made by Burkina Faso to fight terrorism and safeguard national and regional stability, Xi said.

Before their talks, Xi hosted a ceremony to welcome the West African nation's leader to a state visit to China and to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit.

It is Burkina Faso's first time to attend such a big gathering between China and African nations, Xi said, adding that the summit has great significance for the development of China-Burkina Faso relations as well as China-Africa relations.

He spoke highly of the efforts made by the president of Burkina Faso, as a visionary and responsible statesman, to resume diplomatic relations with China.

The two nations should take the opportunities presented by resuming diplomatic relations to deepen political mutual trust, develop friendly ties and build a cooperative relationship featuring equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

Kabore said it was an independent and important decision to resume diplomatic relations with China, adding that the two countries should focus on future cooperation.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the one-China principle and said he appreciated China's stance on upholding multilateralism while facing great global challenges.

China is a great model for the development of African countries, including Burkina Faso, Kabore said.

"China's rapid development, the country's promotion of the development of Africa, and its dedication to win-win cooperation are all drives for Burkina Faso to make the decision to return to the big family of China-Africa cooperation," he added.

Editor: Wang Shixue