Xi congratulates Togo's new president

President Xi Jinping congratulated Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove on his inauguration as the president of Togo on Wednesday, pledging to promote ties between the two countries.

Xi also congratulated Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of the Council of Ministers of the Western African nation on Wednesday.

In the congratulatory message, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Togo have been forged and nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries.

Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have consistently upheld sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, he said.

They have firmly supported each other on issues of their core interests and major concerns, setting an example of equality among countries, regardless of size, as well as unity and cooperation in the Global South, he added.

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, China and Togo elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, he said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togo relations and is willing to work with Togolese leaders to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields, and enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to deliver more benefits to the people of both nations.

Also on Wednesday, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Gnassingbe on his assuming office as president of Togo's Council of Ministers.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn