Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malian President Assimi Goita have announced the elevation of China-Mali relations to a strategic partnership during their meeting in Beijing on Monday. This development marks a significant step in the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
President Goita is currently in Beijing to attend the upcoming 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled from Wednesday to Friday. The summit aims to establish a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation in the modern era.
President Xi emphasized that the friendship between China and Mali was forged by the older generations of leaders from both countries. He highlighted the joint communique issued sixty years ago, which introduced China's eight principles of foreign aid, including respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. These principles continue to guide the enduring cooperation between China and Mali, contributing to the promotion of a new international order.
Under current global circumstances, China is committed to maintaining its traditional friendship with Mali, providing support for Mali's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods. President Xi announced that China will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Mali, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mineral development, and infrastructure construction. He also expressed hope that Mali would offer security guarantees and policy convenience for Chinese businesses.
President Xi reaffirmed China's support for African nations in independently determining their futures and destinies. He stated that China stands ready to collaborate with Mali and other African countries in pursuing modernization paths tailored to their specific national conditions.
Malian President Goita expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Beijing and highlighted the sincere and pragmatic bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He expressed Mali's desire to further consolidate its relationship with China, upgrade the strategic partnership, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, and security.
President Goita affirmed that Mali firmly upholds the one-China principle, respecting national sovereignty and independence, and opposing interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He appreciated China's efforts in promoting regional and global peace and development and looked forward to close multilateral coordination with China.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
