BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Beijing on Friday.
The two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Gabon community with a shared future for the new era.
Noting China is willing to be a reliable friend and partner for Gabon in its independent development, Xi said China supports Gabon in maintaining independence in political, economic and diplomatic affairs, and will join hands with Gabon to build a China-Gabon community with a shared future for the new era.
Xi said China is ready to work with Gabon to maintain close communication at all levels, exchange experience in political party and state governance, and support Gabon in strengthening its governance capacity.
Hailing the strong economic complementarity and great potential for cooperation between the two countries, Xi called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and cultivate new growth drivers for cooperation.
He called for making good use of the new opportunities presented by zero-tariff treatment of African goods and the "green channel" facilitation measures for African agricultural and food products exported to China.
Both sides should expand and upgrade bilateral trade and investment cooperation to support Gabon's industrial development, job creation, and livelihood improvement, thereby enhancing the country's capacity for independent economic development, Xi said.
"The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives I have proposed serve, first and foremost, the common interests of the Global South and African countries," Xi said, adding that China supports Gabon in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.
Nguema said Gabon firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and hopes to draw on China's successful experience in governance of party and country.
He said Gabon stands ready to further deepen practical cooperation with China, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Gabon to help Gabon achieve industrialization and sustainable development.
Noting that China has established a mutually beneficial and win-win partnership with Africa, Nguema said the zero-tariff policy meets the needs of African countries, enabling African products to enter the vast Chinese market, which is of historic significance to the development of African countries.
He added Gabon is willing to work with China to enhance solidarity and cooperation between Africa and China and jointly safeguard the interests of Global South countries.
After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, zero-tariff treatment, industrial and supply chains, Chinese language education, and other fields.
During Nguema's state visit to China, the two sides issued a joint statement on building a China-Gabon community with a shared future for the new era.
Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Nguema in the Great Hall of the People. Xi also held a welcome banquet for him in the evening. ■
