Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe in Lomé, Togo, on January 17, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more benefits from China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said while meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe. 

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe in Lome, Togo on January 17, 2024 local time during his first overseas trip in 2024, which is taking place between January 13 to 18 at the invitation of four African countries, Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire. 

Wang conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said that the China-Togo friendship, forged by the older generation of leaders, has become a model of South-South cooperation. 

China will enhance the synergy of development strategies with Togo and support Togo in achieving sustainable development, Wang said. 

China understands and believes in Africa, Wang said, noting that as long as Africa is united and independent, grows stronger through unity, and is seeking out a development path suited to local conditions, the continent will be able to overcome difficulties and create new opportunities. 

The 21st century is a century of revitalization for developing countries, Wang stressed, noting that China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more benefits from China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries. 

Wang added that China has provided a reference for developing countries to explore development paths suited to their national conditions, and China stands ready to share development experience and opportunities with Africa to realize modernization for both China and Africa. 

Faure Gnassingbe asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi and spoke highly of the bilateral relations and practical cooperation. 

Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Togo and other African countries have realized development in infrastructure construction, Faure Gnassingbe said. 

Africa has accelerated its economic growth, enhanced security and brought benefits to the people on the continent, he said, stressing that these achievements cannot be realized without China’s long-term and selfless assistance. 

Togo expresses gratitude to China for upholding justice in the international arena, opposing interference in Africa’s internal affairs, and playing an indispensable role in Africa’s peaceful development. 

The African people need a friend like China, who takes care of Africa’s realities, listens to Africa’s demands, and never imposes its will on others, he said. 

As a beneficiary of Africa-China cooperation, Togo will always trust China and carry forward the traditional friendship while deepening cooperation in various fields, he added. 

Global Times