Chinese President Xi Jinping and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Friday announced the elevation of China-Burundi ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two presidents made the announcement during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Ndayishimiye is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

Xi highlighted that China-Burundi relations have withstood the test of time, emerging as a model of mutual respect and development cooperation, with both countries standing as true partners and brothers through thick and thin. 

Xi emphasized that advancing China-Burundi ties serves the interests of both nations and sets an example of solidarity for the Global South. The summit, he noted, has charted the course for the next stage of China-Africa relations, injecting new momentum into the modernization efforts of both sides and marking a new milestone in their cooperation. 

Xi expressed hope that both countries would seize this opportunity to further enhance bilateral ties by implementing the outcomes of the summit.

Xi reaffirmed China's support for Burundi in resisting external interference and following an independent path of development. He expressed China's commitment to continue mutual support on core issues of national interest and deepen cooperation in areas such as rural revitalization, poverty alleviation and infrastructure development. He also underscored the importance of enhancing cultural exchanges to strengthen the foundation of traditional friendship between the two nations. 

Xi congratulated Burundi on its election as the chair of the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee) of the UN General Assembly and pledged to strengthen international coordination with Burundi to protect the shared interests of developing countries and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

President Ndayishimiye expressed his deep appreciation for his previous visit to China for the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu City, where he met with Xi. He also conveyed his delight at the opportunity to return to China.

Ndayishimiye congratulated China on successfully hosting the 2024 FOCAC Beijing summit and expressed full support for Xi's "10 partnership action plans with Africa to advance modernization." He commended Xi's initiatives, including building a community with a shared future for mankind, and noted that Burundi-China relations are grounded in shared values and ideals.

Ndayishimiye emphasized Burundi's commitment to industrialization and agricultural modernization, drawing on China's invaluable support and cooperation. He also welcomed increased Chinese investment in Burundi, particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture and infrastructure, and reiterated Burundi's unwavering adherence to the one-China principle.

During the summit, China and Burundi signed several bilateral cooperation agreements, covering areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, economic partnerships, agricultural cooperation, and the export of coffee beans to China.