Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China welcomes Togo to actively participate in the construction of Belt and Road and is willing to enhance cooperation with the African country in areas including agriculture, electricity and infrastructure construction.

President Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi called on the two countries to deepen political mutual trust, enhance strategic communication and support each other in major issues of common concern.

Xi added China is also willing to boost maritime cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea with Togo and China supports Togo to play a bigger role in African affairs.

Faure, for his part, sent his congratulation on the success of the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and spoke highly of Xi's announcement of the eight initiatives.

In a keynote speech delivered at the opening of the FOCAC on Monday, Xi announced eight initiatives with African countries for the years to come,  on areas including infrastructure, trade, investment, green growth, health care and education.

Faure said Togo cherishes its friendship with China and thanked China's support to his country. The president added that Togo is willing to learn from China's development experience and will actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Togo will communicate with China in global affairs and will always stand with China," he stressed.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperative documents after the meeting.