Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks in Beijing with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa during his five-day state visit. The two leaders agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. Our reporter Su Yuting has more.

This is Mnangagwa's first state visit to China as Zimbabwean president. And China is the first country he has visited outside of Africa since he assumed office last November.

President Xi welcomed him at the Great Hall of the People, and said their relationship was poised to embrace new opportunities in China's new era.

He added the two sides were willing to work on the development of their bilateral ties, especially in association with China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Mnangagwa said the Zimbabwean government and its people appreciated China's support. He praised China's vision, as well as Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, a philosophy which has now been enshrined in China's constitution.

He recalled a training experience he had in China back in the 60's, adding that the country has witnessed remarkable development since then.

The two presidents also witnessed the signing of a number of agreements covering areas such as agriculture, technology and human resources.

CHEN XIAODONG ASSISTANT FOREIGN MINISTER "President Xi Jinping told President Mnanagawa, in 2013 when he took office as president of China, he visited Africa in his first foreign trip. And he proposed the principles of upholding justice while pursuing shared interests, the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good-faith in China's relations with Africa. Guided by those principles, China-Africa cooperation has thrived, and the core of the principles is to connect and promote a synergy between China's development and that of the African countries so as to bring about win-win cooperation and common development."

SU YUTING BEIJING "President Xi Jinping said China and Zimbabwe are good friends, partners and brothers, adding that traditional friendship has stood the test of time and the changes of international situation. The two leaders have agreed to work together in strengthening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to both countries."

Su Yuting, CGTN, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.