Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is on a state visit to China. On Monday, he met virtually with students and teachers at a primary school in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yang Jinghao has the details. 

Local students gave a special performance to mark a friendship that's lasted for almost one decade.

TEODORO OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO Equatorial Guinean President "I firmly believe that the size of nations does not determine the depth of their relationships. Today's warm reception, highlighted by the outstanding performances, showcases the profound friendship shared between China and Equatorial Guinea." 

This school is located in Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous County, on the border with Vietnam. It was first established in 1918. 

YANG JINGHAO Jinping County, Yunnan Province "During his visit to China in April 2015, President Obiang announced a donation to improve the school's facilities. The renovation project was completed the following year, and since then, the school has been known as the 'China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School.'" 

RAN HONGYAN Principal, China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School "The original teaching building, with just three floors, could only accommodate twelve classes. But the new five-story facility has expanded our capacity to host twenty classes, effectively meeting the educational needs of children from thirteen townships. Over the years, we've witnessed a rapid growth in our student population." 

Elements showcasing the friendship between the two countries can be seen throughout the school. 

RAN HONGYAN Principal, China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School "For instance, along this corridor you'll notice some wall art in the shape of a butterfly and a tree. This design choice is intentional, as Jinping county is renowned as 'the kingdom of butterflies' while the special tree is an important element of Equatorial Guinea's national flag." 

During the activity, the president received gifts prepared by the pupils, including a painting by this girl. 

LI YUXUAN Student "I painted a group of children from China and Africa who are dancing and playing different instruments, including the Chinese zither, the guitar and the cucurbit flute. It also includes typical architecture from both sides. On the right corner is a well-known waterfall here in Jinping, which symbolizes the long-standing friendship between our two countries."

The president also thanked China for its assistance to his country. 

TEODORO OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO Equatorial Guinean President "Particularly noteworthy is the significant medical aid provided by our Chinese friends, which has helped cure many diseases within the local community. A prominent symbol of this cooperation is the Friendship Hospital established between our two nations, which also sits in a remote area." 

In 2020, Jinping county eradicated extreme poverty. Today, with this program as an example, both countries aim to deepen cooperation in education and other fields to foster shared development and prosperity.

Yang Jinghao CGTN, Jinping, Yunnan Province.