Burkina Faso reiterates commitment to one-China policy

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Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore on Friday pledged to further the development of ties with China. He made the remarks while meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to the country.

Reiterating that there is only one China in the world, the president noted that his country is committed to strengthening its relations with Beijing based on the one-China policy.

Kabore appreciated China's support for the country's economic development and the improvement of the people's livelihood, saying that the people of Burkina Faso are filled with hope of the future of bilateral ties.

Noting the regional security is a major concern of the country, Kabore said Burkina Faso thanked China for its support for Sahel countries' efforts to safeguard regional peace and security, and hoped for more of such support from China.

Burkina Faso and China share the same stances on many international issues including upholding the role of the UN, and his country is ready to enhance communications with China to safeguard the interests of African countries and developing countries, said Kabore.

The Chinese state councilor said that Kabore's major decision of resuming diplomatic relations with China has won unanimous support from the people of Burkina Faso, and has been widely welcomed in the African continent.

History will prove that the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries has been a right decision, which fully conforms to the fundamental and long-term interests of Burkina Faso and its people, said Wang.

Both sides should firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, said Wang, adding that China believes that Burkina Faso will continue to follow the one-China policy.

Wang said that the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries has laid a political foundation for bilateral cooperation, adding that China will do its best to help Burkina Faso in various fields such as economy, people's livelihood, health and education.

He also said that China is willing to work with Burkina Faso to deepen peace and security cooperation.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry, January 4, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Win-win cooperation gets off to good start

On the same day, Wang also met with Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry and held a press conference together.

China and Burkina Faso have launched exchanges in various fields and advanced mutually beneficial cooperation in an orderly manner, which are off to a good start, Wang said.

Noting that it is the first visit to Burkina Faso by a Chinese foreign minister, Wang expressed hope that the visit will boost the implementation of the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, synergize the results of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) with bilateral cooperation, and bring more benefits to the people of Burkina Faso.

Barry reiterated the country's firm adherence to the one-China principle, saying the resumption of diplomatic ties has been the country's own decision made on the basis of the fundamental interests of Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso is pleased with the good momentum in bilateral relations, and is willing to learn from China's success in development, said Barry, adding that the country hopes that China will continue to support its economic and social development.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry hold a press conference, January 4, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

China to continuously safeguard Africa's peace and security

Peace is significant to Africa and is the guarantee for the development of the African continent, Wang said at a press conference, noting that China always plays a constructive role for peace and security in Africa.

China has increased its investment in Africa's security affairs under the framework of the FOCAC, Wang added.

Wang used China's support for the establishment of the African Standby Force and the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis as an example.

Wang also said that China will continuously make contributions to safeguard Africa's peace and security within its capabilities, in accordance with the wishes and needs of African countries.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, January 4, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency