Senegalese President Macky Sall spoke with Chinese journalists about Xi's visit and relations between the two countries. Mark Fontes has more.

This will be Xi Jinping's first visit to Senegal. Senegalese President Macky Sall says his country attaches great importance to the visit and eagerly looks forward to it. The two leaders will exchange in-depth views on a new comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, China-Africa relations and international and regional issues. And they will jointly witness the signing of a series of deals.

MACKY SALL SENEGALESE PRESIDENT "Our expectations are numerous and important. We place them in the framework of the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and the renewed partnership between China and Senegal. In the context of specific bilateral relations, the two governments will sign a series of agreements. We will also develop economic cooperation through various projects. Whether through aid projects or loan projects, we will allow Senegal see China's role in implementing the Plan for an Emerging Senegal. China is already an active participant in the plan. So I think this visit will be historic and of great importance for our relations and our future prospects."

The Plan for an Emerging Senegal is a major development strategy put forward by President Sall. Its focus includes infrastructure development, human resources, sustainable development, peace and security. It aims to turn Senegal into an emerging country by 2035. President Sall says the plan is highly compatible with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

MACKY SALL SENEGALESE PRESIDENT "I think the future of the world should be based on mutual cooperation, fair trade and a win-win partnership. We strongly agree with the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China. The route along the ancient Silk Road will span the oceans and continents, connecting people around the world, especially the people of China and Africa."

President Sall says China took only 40 years for its economic modernization and became the second largest economy in the world, something that African countries can learn from. CGTN.