Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita says he'll continue to strengthen relations with China during his new term, and that China knows why Africa needs to be considered. CGTN reporter Wu Guoxiu sat down with the president in Beijing, ahead of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum Summit.

WU GUOXIU BEIJING "China and Mali began joint programs decades ago, what areas of cooperation impressed you most? Do you have examples?"

IBRAHIM BOUBACAR KEITA MALIAN PRESIDENT "The relationship between our countries are very deep with deep programs. Nowadays, we have decided to strengthen them during the new term to come. You know I was just elected, my privilege and pleasure is to be invited by President Xi to come to China just before my inauguration on Sept 10 next month. So I consider it a very important privilege to have been invited by President Xi."

WU GUOXIU BEIJING "What do you expect from this upcoming summit?"

IBRAHIM BOUBACAR KEITA MALIAN PRESIDENT "A lot of things, a lot of things between China and Africa. China has been considered as a true friend of Africa. China has no historical colonial links with Africa, China who was fighting herself for dignity, China understands the reasons why Africa needs to be considered, and China is considering Africa, especially Mali. That's why we too consider China as a true friend."