The announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The two leaders emphasized the strong and enduring ties between their countries, dating back to Mali’s independence. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these relations in a world marked by complex challenges.
President Goïta highlighted the shared principles and values between Mali and China, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and rejection of human rights manipulation. These common ground have served as the foundation for fruitful cooperation in various sectors, such as defense, security, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.
China’s continuous support has been instrumental in Mali’s socio-economic development. President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to maintaining and deepening this cooperation, emphasizing that the new strategic partnership will lead to intensified Chinese assistance tailored to Mali’s specific needs.
In addition to the bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping, Colonel Goïta also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC). During this meeting, Zhao Leji shared China’s experience in poverty reduction and development, offering valuable insights to support Mali’s efforts in these areas.
The elevation of Mali-China relations to a strategic partnership signifies a significant milestone in the two countries’ relationship. It underscores their shared commitment to cooperation, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.
MD/sf/te/lb/abj/APA