China and Lesotho pledge to deepen cooperation

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China is willing to deepen cooperation and expand communication in various fields with Lesotho, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with the African nation's Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

Xi said that China appreciates Lesotho's adherence to the one-China policy.

He also encouraged the two countries to support each other on issues of mutual interest.

China has never colonized, invaded nor exploited Africa, Thabane said.

The African people know best who is a true friend, he added, stressing that China is a true ally.

Lesotho believes the eight major initiatives proposed by President Xi at the just-concluded Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will help promote China-Africa cooperation, the prime minister said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also held talks with Thabane on Thursday, expressing his willingness to expand trade and investment cooperation and enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

"China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Lesotho in international and regional affairs, jointly maintain multilateralism with the United Nations as the core and safeguard free trade," Li added.

After the talks, Li and Thabane witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.