China pledges to assist Eritrea's modernization process as presidents hold talks

China is ready to work with Eritrea to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other fields and assist Eritrea's industrialization and agricultural modernization process, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) taking place this week.

Xi said China appreciates Eritrea for pursuing an independent foreign policy and safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity.

Viewing China-Eritrea relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, China is willing to deepen political mutual trust with Eritrea and advance practical cooperation to achieve common development, said Xi.

Stressing that the two countries should be good partners and friends who uphold mutual benefit, win-win outcomes, fairness and justice, Xi called for strengthening exchanges at all levels, exchanging experiences in state governance with Eritrea, and making good use of initiatives and platforms, including Belt and Road cooperation and FOCAC.

Noting that China and Eritrea share similar views on many major international and regional issues, Xi called for maintaining collaboration with Eritrea, and better safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Afwerki, for his part, said Eritrea-China relations have a profound history and strong friendship with sound cooperation. He said that the Eritrean side firmly adheres to the one-China policy. 

The Eritrean President expressed the hope to deepen cooperation in fields such as energy, infrastructure and oceanography. He said that cooperation with China will continue to help African countries achieve greater development, and resist colonialism and hegemony.

During the summit, the two countries will sign bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as agriculture, radio and television.