Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara at Ouattara's invitation. 

Calling Cote d'Ivoire an important partner of China in Africa, Xi pointed out next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cote d'Ivoire, which is worth commemorating by the both sides.

China highly appreciates that Cote d'Ivoire firmly adheres to the one-China principle, Xi said, calling for the two sides' efforts to continue supporting each other on issues related to each other's core interests, consolidating and deepening bilateral relations and taking the ties to a new level.

The Chinese president said China-Cote d'Ivoire's cooperation has broad prospects, adding the Chinese side is willing to strengthen all-round cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire including expanding trade in agricultural products and strengthening cooperation in rice and cocoa cultivation and processing.

Xi voiced the hope that the relevant projects supported and undertaken by Chinese contractors will be completed as soon as possible and bring benefits.

China is willing to continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and expand their business in Cote d'Ivoire, and to expand cooperation between the two sides in the digital economy, new energy and other fields, he added.

China appreciates Cote d'Ivoire's philosophy of placing equal emphasis on development and security, Xi said, stressing China is willing to strengthen policy exchanges with Cote d'Ivoire and provide support to Cote d'Ivoire to the best of its ability.

When conducting cooperation with Africa, China always follows the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and upholding justice while pursuing shared interests, the Chinese president noted.

He added China will take practical actions to implement the Global Development Initiative and the action plans of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and help Africa's development.

Xi also urged the two sides to work together with other African countries to safeguard international justice and the common interests of developing countries.

Ouattara expressed his congratulations to Xi on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

"I was impressed by my state visit to China in 2018," Ouattara told Xi, adding he is looking forward to the upcoming 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

China has provided valuable support and made important contributions to maintaining and promoting regional and world peace and security, including in Cote d'Ivoire, and supporting the economic and social development of African countries, the Cote d'Ivoire's president said, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.

He stressed Cote d'Ivoire firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports multilateralism and actively supports the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest in cocoa processing and other industries to help Cote d'Ivoire's industrialization process," Ouattara said.

He added Cote d'Ivoire is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with China within the framework of the FOCAC and maintain close communication and collaboration on regional and international affairs.