Chinese President meets Mozambican President

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with his Mozambican counterpart Armando Guebuza, hailing the African country as an all-weather friend.

Xi recalled his meeting with Guebuza in South Africa in March, pledging China would like to work with Mozambique to carry out agreements, share more experience on state governance and deepen bilateral friendly cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands with his Mozambican counterpart Armando Guebuza, hailing the African country as an all-weather friend in Beijing, May 13, 2013.[Photo/Xinhua]

Xi said China-Mozambique cooperation faces important opportunities. He called for the two countries to step up political guidance and overall planning, carry out cooperation in infrastructure construction, energy, agriculture and fisheries, innovate mode of cooperation and benefit the two peoples.

Guebuza thanked China for its long-term support to Mozambican national liberation and construction, and reviewed the profound friendship between the two countries and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Guebuza said the Mozambican government is committed to seeking the country's sustainable development and would like to draw on China's experience and work more diversely with the country.

Mozambique would welcome more Chinese companies to take part in Mozambican human resources training, agriculture, energy and infrastructure, Guebuza said.

Xi, recalling his African visit in March, said he had seen robust development in the continent and felt African people's friendly feelings for the Chinese.

He said Africa is filled with hope and vitality and an increasingly important force in the international community.

Xi said African peace and development will enter a new stage as the Organization of African Unity will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary.

To accomplish African rejuvenation, the continent must stay stable and united and pursue a path suitable to itself, Xi said.

He said China will, as always, support Africa's efforts to promote peace and development and would like to work with the continent to seek common development.

Guebuza hailed China's important role in helping Africa seek peace, stability and development.

With Africa-China cooperation facing a broad future, Guebuza said Mozambique would like to play a positive role in promoting Africa-China relations.

Guebuza is visiting China for the second session of the World Cultural Forum (Taihu, China) scheduled for this weekend.