China-Senegal Ties: Bilateral relations greatly advanced after years of development

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01:49

China and Senegal have enjoyed a long-standing friendship and rapid development in cooperation. Both sides have pledged to enhance personnel exchanges, boost political trust and push forward practical cooperation in various fields.

Located in West Africa, Senegal lies in the mainland of the Afro-Eurasia. Its economy is centered mostly on commodities and natural resources. Its major industries include fish processing, phosphate mining, peanut production and tourism.

Since taking office in 2012, President Macky Sall has unveiled measures to reform power supply, boost agriculture production and improve infrastructure. As a result, Senegal has maintained stable economic growth in recent years.

China and Senegal established diplomatic ties in 1971. But China suspended ties with Senegal in 1996 after it re-established ties with Taiwan. Nine years later, Senegal cut relations with Taiwan, and restored diplomacy with China. Since then, economic relations between the two countries have rapidly grown.

China is now Senegal's main trading partner. The total volume of imports and exports between the two countries reached nearly 2.2 billion US dollars last year. Top items include high-tech, ground nuts, and titanium ore.

Senegal is trying to play a strategic role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. It has signed agreements with Beijing for the repair and reconstruction of its railway.

Last month, Senegalese Foreign Minister Sidiki Kaba visited China. He expressed willingness to consolidate political mutual trust, and further strengthen bilateral all-round cooperation.