Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an official visit.

The two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

It has been proven that Sao Tome and Principe's return to the China-Africa family of friendly cooperation fully aligns with the shared interests of both peoples, Xi said.

China will, as always, support Sao Tome and Principe in advancing national construction and economic development, he added.

The Chinese president called on both sides to firmly adhere to the overall direction of friendship, strengthen exchanges of experience on governance and administration, and consolidate and enhance strategic mutual trust.

Exploring cooperation in areas such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure will allow Sao Tome and Principe to benefit more from the outcomes of this summit, Xi said, adding that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Sao Tome and Principe on international and regional issues to safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing nations.

Trovoada said he is grateful to China for its valuable assistance in the economic development of Sao Tome and Principe, especially the partnership actions announced by Xi at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC summit, which he said will strongly promote the development of both Sao Tome and Principe and Africa.

Sao Tome and Principe highly appreciates the important concepts and initiatives put forward by Xi, such as building a community with a shared future, and remains firmly committed to the one-China principle, Trovoada said.

(With input from Xinhua)