Xi hails 50 years of resumption of ties with Benin

President Xi Jinping underscored his readiness to boost China's cooperation with Benin in various sectors and elevate bilateral ties as he exchanged messages on Thursday with the African nation's president on the 50th anniversary of the resumption of bilateral diplomatic relations.

In the message he exchanged with President Patrice Talon, Xi said the two countries have always treated each other in a sincere and friendly manner, and extended staunch support to each other on issues relating to respective core interests and major concerns since the two sides resumed diplomatic ties in 1972.

Xi noted that China and Benin maintained a sound momentum of development in their relations and secured fruitful cooperation results in various fields, which had brought tangible benefits to their peoples.

He stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties and stands ready to work with Talon to deepen cooperation in various fields within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Talon expressed his satisfaction at the productive bilateral cooperation over the past five decades.

He said he is willing to make joint efforts with Xi to build a dynamic and stronger bilateral relationship, adding that he believes that Benin-China cooperation is unbreakable and is set to attain greater results.

Trade between China and Benin increased to $1.46 billion in 2021, a year-on-year rise of 39.4 percent. China has so far sent 25 medical teams and donated 703,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the African nation, according to the Foreign Ministry.

xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn