Xi Jinping Engages with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at FOCAC Summit

On September 2, 2024, Xi Jinping met Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Beijing at the FOCAC summit. They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared development goals. Afwerki praised China’s global role and reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to further collaboration, particularly in energy and infrastructure. The summit will witness the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements.

On September 2, 2024, President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, coinciding with the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi noted the steadfast trust and support evident in the over 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and Eritrea. He acknowledged Eritrea’s commitment to an independent foreign policy and praised its strategic vision for bilateral relations, emphasizing China’s readiness to deepen cooperation and achieve shared development goals with Eritrea.

Xi Jinping articulated a vision for a close brotherly relationship between China and Eritrea, aiming for mutual benefit and a cooperative approach to safeguarding fairness in international matters. He proposed increasing exchanges and sharing governance experiences while utilizing platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC to enhance cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Xi expressed China’s commitment to collaborating with Eritrea on significant regional and international issues affecting developing nations.

President Afwerki reflected on his long-standing relationship with China, recalling his first visit 57 years ago, and acknowledged China’s substantial progress and influence in global governance. He underscored the historical solidarity and mutual understanding shared with China, highlighting how the partnership facilitates African development and counters colonialism and hegemony. Afwerki reaffirmed Eritrea’s loyalty to the one-China policy and expressed intentions to deepen collaboration in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure, while emphasizing the importance of Africa-China cooperation in fostering international relations.

Key bilateral cooperation agreements are set to be signed during the summit, spanning areas such as agriculture and radio and television, signifying the commitment of both nations to enhance their cooperative framework. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was also present at the meeting, indicating the significance of the discussions.

The meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Isaias Afwerki highlights the enduring partnership between China and Eritrea, rooted in mutual support and shared objectives. Both leaders underscored the potential for further cooperation in key sectors while addressing international and regional challenges. The agreements to be formalized during the summit will serve as a testament to their commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing bilateral relations.

Original Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn