China News Agency, Beijing, January 14th. On January 13th local time, President Talon of Benin met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Cotonou.
Talon asked Qin Gang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping, saying that the new Chinese foreign minister came to Benin for his first visit to Africa, and this visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Benin and China, which demonstrates the friendship and close ties between the two countries.
We value the long-term support and assistance from China.
Although Benin is small, it stands on the side of truth, equality and justice and will continue to be a firm and reliable friend of China.
Talon said that China has found the right path of development and achieved world-renowned achievements, and developing countries are deeply encouraged.
Benin looks forward to learning from China's experience, deepening and expanding practical cooperation, and accelerating national development and revitalization.
Qin Gang conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to President Talon, saying that China and Benin have always respected each other and treated each other as equals for half a century.
Thanks to Benin for its understanding and support on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns, and is willing to continue to be a sincere partner with mutual trust in politics and forward hand in hand in development.
We look forward to jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to push China-Benin relations to new levels.
We encourage more powerful and reputable Chinese companies to invest in Benin and hope that Benin will safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and personnel.
Qin Gang said that China's reform and development has always adhered to the leadership of the party, adhered to independence, and did not copy other countries' models.
We are willing to strengthen experience exchanges with Benin in governing the country, and support Benin in exploring a development path that suits its own national conditions. Countries unite and cooperate to achieve common development.
During the visit, Qin Gang held talks with Benin Foreign Minister Abenosi.
The two sides also signed cooperation documents such as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
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