Xi, South Sudan leader exchange messages

President Xi Jinping has called on China and South Sudan to deepen communication and cooperation in all fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of establishing their diplomatic ties.

Xi made the remark on Friday as he exchanged congratulatory messages over the anniversary with his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir.

On July 9, 2011, when the Republic of South Sudan was founded, the government of the People's Republic of China announced its recognition of the country and set up diplomatic ties with it at the ambassadorial level.

Xi said in his message that the bilateral relationship has maintained sound and stable development over the past decade, with achievements made in cooperation in all areas.

The two countries have firmly supported each other on issues that involve each other's core interests and major concerns, he added.

After the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, China and South Sudan joined hands in fighting the virus, which Xi said demonstrated their profound brotherhood.

Noting that he highly values developing China-South Sudan relations, Xi said he stands ready to work with Kiir to take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary to consolidate political mutual trust and deepen cooperation to benefit both countries and their people.

Kiir, in his message, hailed China as the true friend of South Sudan.

As a young country established only 10 years ago, he said, South Sudan has received concrete assistance from China in such areas as economic and social development, the domestic peace process and the fight against the pandemic.

Kiir said his country appreciates and is grateful for this.

South Sudan expects to continuously consolidate the high-level relationship with China, deepen cooperation and bring benefits to people of both countries, he added.