Xi calls for advancing China-Djibouti strategic partnership

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Europe

01:39

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for advancing China-Djibouti strategic partnership while meeting with his Djiboutian counterpart Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is in Beijing and attended the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which closed in the Chinese capital on Saturday.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago, China and Djibouti have become good friends, partners and brothers, Xi pointed out.

Xi said the two will grasp opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing summit to push for progress in their strategic partnership.

China and Djibouti should continue to extend mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, and enhance communication and cooperation on international and regional affairs, Xi said.

China will continue to exchange its experiences with Djibouti and provide support for its economic and social development, the Chinese president stressed, adding that China encourages more competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Djibouti.

For his part, Guelleh hailed the BRI as "unique" that can create a better world of connectivity.

Thanking China for its sincere and friendly support for Djibouti's development, Guelleh also stressed that the nation's confidence in BRI and trust in China will not be shaken by groundless accusations.

After the meeting, the two presidents witnessed the signing of some bilateral cooperation documents.