Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye have pledged to elevate their countries' strategic partnership to new heights during their meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.
President Faye is in Beijing to attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and to undertake a state visit.
Premier Xi highlighted that China and Senegal share a strong friendship and are committed partners on their respective paths of national development and rejuvenation. He expressed China's willingness to deepen political mutual trust and support each other's core interests and major concerns.
China plans to continue sending agricultural technical experts, support the construction of industrial parks in Senegal, and expand cooperation in new energy and other emerging fields, thereby aiding Senegal's industrialization and agricultural modernization efforts.
President Xi also emphasized China's readiness to enhance multilateral cooperation with Senegal to uphold international fairness and justice and advance the common interests of developing countries. He commended FOCAC as a flagship of South-South cooperation and looked forward to a successful summit that will further China-Africa modernization.
In response, President Faye expressed honor in his first state visit to China and participation in the FOCAC summit. He noted that since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, bilateral cooperation has significantly advanced, promoting economic development and improving livelihoods in Senegal.
President Faye reaffirmed Senegal's adherence to the one-China principle, opposition to politicizing human rights issues, and commitment to deepening bilateral friendship with China. He highlighted Senegal's willingness to expand cooperation in agriculture, industry, digitization, vocational training, and youth exchanges.
President Faye concluded by recognizing the significant contributions of FOCAC to Africa's economic and social development and affirmed Senegal's dedication to ensuring the success of the upcoming summit. He also appreciated China's initiatives promoting common development, fairness, and justice, and expressed Senegal's readiness to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China.
Reference(s):
Chinese, Senegalese presidents agree to push ties to new level
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