Surinamese president to visit China from April 11 to 17

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi will pay a state visit to China from April 11 to 17, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

Detailing the visit at a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, adding that China welcomes President Santokhi's visit to China at this special moment.

Mao said President Xi will hold a welcome ceremony for President Santokhi and the two will hold talks and attend the signing ceremony of relevant cooperation documents.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning will meet with President Santokhi, respectively, she said, adding that the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

Noting that Suriname is an important country in the Caribbean and one of China's strategic partners in the region, Mao said bilateral relations have achieved sound development since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established, adding that cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

Mao said China attaches great importance to its relations with Suriname and is willing to work together to expand friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various areas that benefit the two countries and their peoples.

She said President Santokhi's visit will promote China-Suriname relations to achieve new development and reach a new level.

(Cover: A file photo of President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi. /CFP)