Leaders pledge to strengthen Sino-Senegalese relations

President Xi Jinping called on Friday for China and Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to promote bilateral ties and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting in Beijing with Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko, who was invited to attend the World Economic Forum's 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in Tianjin.

Xi said that China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalization as well as good brothers. He added that China is willing to work with Senegal to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

China and Senegal should firmly support each other in pursuing independent development paths, strengthen party-to-party exchanges and mutual learning in governance experience, and continuously solidify the foundation of their political mutual trust, he said.

Xi called on both countries to develop close cooperation and effectively implement the 10 major partnership actions for China-Africa cooperation. China will encourage Chinese companies to invest in new energy, digital infrastructure and other fields in Senegal to be partners in win-win cooperation, he said.

Xi noted that the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges will be an opportunity for the two countries to enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas including culture, education, tourism, sports and youth, so as to strengthen the bond among the two peoples while fostering mutual learning.

He underlined the need for both countries to firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, practice true multilateralism, uphold the vision of global governance that is based on the principle of extensive consultations and joint contribution with the benefits shared by all, and jointly promote world peace, prosperity and progress.

Sonko described China as a reliable partner for Senegal, saying that the two countries have always respected and supported each other, with stable and resilient ties and sound progress in various areas of cooperation.

Senegal firmly upholds the one-China principle, and looks forward to deepening comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, advancing joint construction of the Belt and Road, and enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other fields to contribute to its economic and social development, he said.

Saying both Senegal and China are members of the Global South and share common values, the Senegalese prime minister pledged that his country is willing to closely coordinate with China in international and regional affairs.

Senegal is committed to firmly working as China's strategic partner to jointly promote international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of the Global South, he said.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn