China, East Africa to deepen security, law enforcement cooperation

China and 14 East African countries pledged to deepen security cooperation to ensure common security and prosperity during a meeting in Beijing on Saturday.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong and Burundi's Minister of Interior, Community Development and Public Security Martin Niteretse co-chaired the first China-East Africa Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation.

Wang noted that the bilateral relations between China and all African countries with diplomatic ties have been elevated to a strategic level. He added that China-Africa relations have evolved into an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.

Wang expressed China's willingness to work with East African countries to advance the Global Security Initiative, establish a new platform for multi-party dialogue, address emerging challenges in law enforcement and security, enhance capacity building, and create a new model of law enforcement and security cooperation in the new era.

During his meeting with Niteretse, Wang emphasized China's commitment to deepening practical cooperation in law enforcement and security and elevating the friendly cooperation between China and Burundi to a higher and broader level.

Niteretse expressed Burundi's support for China on issues related to China's core interests and pledged to work together to effectively implement the outcomes of the ministerial dialogue and advance law enforcement and security cooperation.

On the same day, Wang also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Jacquemain Shabani.

Wang stated that China will collaborate with the DRC to enhance political mutual trust, strengthen personnel exchanges, and deepen practical cooperation in security and law enforcement capacity building under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Shabani expressed gratitude for China's valuable support, reaffirmed the DRC's firm adherence to the one-China principle, and committed to taking effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese enterprises and personnel in the country.

(With input from Xinhua)