China eyes high-level ties with Cote d'Ivoire

Leaders exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

President Xi Jinping and Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Thursday, with both leaders pledging to bolster bilateral cooperation.

In a congratulatory message to Ouattara, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties four decades ago, China and Cote d'Ivoire have always been sincere and friendly toward each other, providing mutual support on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.

The two countries have become important friends and partners on the path of development and revitalization, he added.

Xi recalled a telephone conversation with Ouattara at the end of last year in which they reached new consensus on deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Cote d'Ivoire relations, Xi said he is willing to work with Ouattara to take the anniversary as an opportunity to consolidate mutual support, strengthen all-around cooperation between the two countries, and push bilateral relations to a new level to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

In his message, Ouattara hailed the development of bilateral ties and said that the countries' relations have maintained high-level development over the past four decades.

Ouattara expressed his gratitude for China's consistent support for his country's construction in infrastructure, energy, and other sectors.

Cote d'Ivoire is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and push their friendly and cooperative relations, featuring solidarity, mutual assistance, close exchanges, and fruitful results, for greater progress in a new era, he said.

China-Cote d'Ivoire relations have maintained sound development for bilateral ties and good partnership under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

When conducting cooperation with Africa, China stays committed to following the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and upholding justice while pursuing shared interests. It has been taking practical actions to implement the Global Development Initiative and the action plans of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and help Africa's development.