China, Togo elevate bilateral ties

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday put forward a series of key principles for the constructive participation of all parties in the settlement of hot-spot issues in Africa, stressing that the African people are the true masters of Africa and should play a central role in regional affairs.

He made the remarks while meeting in Beijing with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, president of the Council of the Togolese Republic, who is on an eight-day official visit to China running through Friday. During the meeting, the two leaders elevated bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era.

Elaborating on the principles, Xi emphasized upholding fairness and justice, and urged all relevant parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries concerned.

Noting that wars and unilateral sanctions cannot truly resolve differences between countries, he said that it is imperative to uphold mutual respect, conduct extensive consultations, seek common ground while shelving differences, and practice mutual understanding and accommodation.

Xi also emphasized the importance of addressing both symptoms and root causes. Efforts should focus on immediate security while planning for long-term development, he said.

Gnassingbe said that Togo fully agrees with the principles proposed by Xi, and highly commends China's key role in safeguarding world peace and stability and jointly addressing global challenges.

Togo is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China, jointly defend multilateralism and uphold the interests of developing countries, he added.

On bilateral relations, Xi called on the two countries to further strengthen exchanges at all levels, deepen the sharing of governance experience and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

Togo is welcome to make good use of China's zero-tariff treatment and the green lanes for African products exported to China, and further leverage its role as a regional trade and logistics hub, so as to bring more distinctive products from Togo and the region into the Chinese market, he said.

Xi expressed appreciation for Togo's efforts to expand cross-border use of the renminbi, saying that China is ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in fields such as new energy and digital and smart technologies to support Togo's industrialization.

Gnassingbe said that during his visit, he witnessed how China's modernization drive has made remarkable achievements and how fine traditional Chinese culture has been carried forward.

Such experiences have given him a better understanding of China's governance philosophy and the sources of its success, Gnassingbe said.

Noting that the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he expressed Togo's willingness to work with China to enhance mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and communication, and intensify enduring and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Before visiting Beijing, Gnassingbe made stops in Shaanxi and Fujian provinces. His itinerary also includes Guangdong province.