Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Zhang Chunxian hailed the long-term friendship between China and Equatorial Guinea while attending the country's 50th independence anniversary in Malabo.

Zhang conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) also passed on the congratulatory letter from President Xi. 

He said China hopes to further advance the partnership between the two countries.

Calling China a "sincere friend and an important partner," President Obiang also hoped to achieve more in terms of sustainable development from close cooperation between both sides.

(Cover image: File photo of Zhang)