China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi said he appreciates Chakwera's adherence to the one-China principle during his presidency. He hopes that the two sides will continue to support each other on issues concerning common interests, deepen exchanges to achieve results from practical cooperation and promote new developments in bilateral relations.

He said China is also ready to expand cooperation with Malawi and other developing countries in safeguarding international equity and justice.

Chakwera expressed his gratitude for China's valuable assistance. He said that he was warmly received during his recent visit to China, and he sincerely feels that China is Malawi's true friend, brother and partner. He added that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi is helpful to the common development of developing countries.

The Malawian president said his country unswervingly upholds the one-China policy, and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China.

(With input from Xinhua)