We continue with part two of our exclusive interview with the president of Cote d'Ivoire. In addition to discussing the future of China-Cote d'Ivoire relations, Alassane Ouattara said his country was ready to increase cooperation with China in multiple areas, and that he too believes that multilateralism is essential to drive global economic growth.

HAN YINGYA CGTN REPORTER "In recent years, relations between China and Côte d'Ivoire have been characterized by cooperation, such as the reconstruction and expansion of the Port of Abidjan and the water supply project for Abidjan city. Do you think the realization of these projects has made a tangible contribution to the lives of the people in Côte d'Ivoire?"

ALASSANE OUATTARA PRESIDENT OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE "You know, it's clear that the Port of Abidjan is the biggest in West Africa. The expansion and deepening the port for bigger ships benefits not only the Côte d'Ivoire but also our neighboring countries because we need to send goods to landlocked countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. The supplies of drinking water has been a real challenge for us. After the war, we had two major problems: water and electricity. Thanks to Chinese investors in Bonoua and other regions, we produced as much drinkable water in five years as our predecessors produced in 50 years. Investments from China have improved living conditions for many Ivorians."

HAN YINGYA CGTN REPORTER "What do you hope for in future bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries? Which areas would you like to have more collaboration with China?"

ALASSANE OUATTARA PRESIDENT OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE "You know, China has done a great deal and we have proved ourselves to be a reliable partner. Côte d'Ivoire is currently a member of the UN Security Council in 2018 and 2019. We are in total agreement with China on major global issues. I told the Chinese foreign minister when he visited Cote d'Ivoire that I believe in multilateralism because I was the deputy director of the International Monetary Fund. I was prime minister 25 years ago. I've seen the problems the world has faced at times of global crises. Multilateralism is essential. African countries don't have much influence, but we are strong in numbers. There are 54 of us in the United Nations. We know China's stance on African countries. So I can tell you, we look forward to greater economic and financial relations, and also diplomacy and peace in the world."

HAN YINGYA CGTN REPORTER "The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will take place in Beijing in September. You will be at the event and meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. What do you expect from this meeting? And what impact will the forum have on China-Africa relations?"

ALASSANE OUATTARA PRESIDENT OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE "I think the forum is an important opportunity for China and African countries to strengthen mutual trust. I want to add that Africa's current economic problems are the result of most raw materials being exported. We African countries, especially Côte d'Ivoire, hope to continue the transformation of our raw materials, and of course industrialization. President Xi Jinping's One Belt, One Road Initiative is excellent, and it should be an essential component in the process of industrialization. Because without industrialization, we can't increase employment, especially among young people. So, I expect a lot from this forum. Côte d'Ivoire will remain an important partner for China. I hope to strengthen mutual trust. And we hope to rely on China for multilateralism and peace in the world."