Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with President of the Gabonese Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is on a state visit to China from April 18 to 21. 

Calling President Bongo "an old friend" of the Chinese people, Xi said President Bongo is the first African head of state he hosts after being reelected as the Chinese president, which fully demonstrates the importance and high level of the China-Gabon relations. As a sincere friend of Gabon, China wishes the country still greater progress in all its endeavors and the early realization of its strategic goal toward an Emerging Gabon, said the Chinese president.