Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Eritrean President Afwerki

On the afternoon of May 15, 2023, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Eritrean President Afwerki, who was on a state visit to China.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Ecuador enjoy profound traditional friendship. On May 24 this year, the two countries will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the past 30 years, China and Ecuador have always trusted and supported each other. China views and develops China-Eritrea relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is a reliable friend of Eritrea. Facing the current international situation full of instability and uncertainty, developing China-Ecuador relations is not only in line with the common and long-term interests of the two countries, but also of great significance to maintaining peace. International fairness and justice. China is willing to be friends and comrades with Eritrea, to deepen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, and to continuously push the China-Eritrea strategic partnership to a new level.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China appreciates Eritrea’s long-term pursuit of an independent foreign policy, firmly supports Eritrea in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, firmly supports Eritrea in safeguarding its own sovereignty, security and development interests, and opposes external forces. Interfering in Eritrea’s internal affairs, and imposing unilateral sanctions. China is willing to exchange experience with Ecuador on state governance, continue to support each other, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and the vast number of developing countries. China is willing to work with Ecuador to make good use of frameworks and platforms such as the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the concept of peace and development. Africa promotes mutually beneficial cooperation and realizes common development. China encourages and supports Chinese enterprises to invest in Ecuador, and is willing to discuss with Ecuador the strengthening of cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, telecommunications, agriculture, mining and fishery, and continue to implement projects such as medical teams and expert teams. Ranking of agricultural aid to Eritrea. The Chinese side thanks Eritrea for its support and assistance to the Chinese citizens recently evacuated and resettled in Sudan. Both sides have the responsibility to take more measures to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and people-to-people bonds.

Xi Jinping pointed out that no matter how the situation develops, mutual respect, understanding, support and assistance have always been the distinctive feature and main line of China-Africa friendship, and China-Africa cooperation has played an important leading role in South-South cooperation. Southern cooperation and international cooperation with Africa. Africa is a land full of hope and hope. Under the new situation, more than ever, China and Africa need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to overcome difficulties together. China is willing to work with Africa to enhance traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, provide Africa with new opportunities for China’s high-quality development and China’s modernization drive, promote the continuous deepening and consolidation of China-Africa practical cooperation, and achieve more results. Achieve new results and promote the building of a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

Isas Afwerki fondly recalled the special friendship with China for more than half a century, and said that the Eritrean people will never forget the precious spiritual and material support provided by the Chinese people for the independence and liberation of Eritrea. China is a great country. Since the founding of New China, it has developed from a poor country to a world power, and has made outstanding contributions to the peace and development of mankind. China has always occupied the highest moral position, proposing Chinese solutions to the challenges facing the world, maintaining fairness and justice on the international stage, and encouraging other developing countries to seek independence and development. Any attempt to contain and suppress China’s development is doomed to failure. At present, the evolution of the international order is at a critical stage, and African countries are still facing hegemonism and various unfair and unfair deals. The international community hopes and believes that China will make greater contributions to human development and international fairness and progress. justice. The Ecuadorian side hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side, and believes that the Ecuador-China strategic partnership will help Ecuador achieve national economic and social development.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Afwerki at the square in front of the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.

Upon his arrival, Isaas Afewerki was lined up in a guard of honor to pay his respects. The two heads of state stepped onto the podium, the military band played the national anthems of China and Ecuador, and a 21-gun salute was fired at Tiananmen Square. Afwerki inspected the guard of honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and watched the military parade accompanied by Xi Jinping.

In the evening, Xi Jinping held a welcome banquet for Isass Afwerki in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi, Qin Gang and others participated in the above activities.