Summit elevates connections to new level

China is willing to work with Sao Tome and Principe to further deepen political mutual trust and practical cooperation to better benefit the people of the two countries, Premier Li Qiang said on Friday.

He made the remarks during his talks with Sao Tome and Principe's Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who attended the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing while on an official visit.

China attaches great importance to developing relations and is willing to continue to help the island country to promote development within its capabilities, Li said.

He called on the two countries to strengthen cooperation in fields such as tourism, agriculture, and blue economy, as well as actively promote infrastructure construction projects and deepen medical and health cooperation.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Sao Tome and Principe on international and regional issues such as the reform of international financial institutions, peace and security, climate change and ecological protection, the premier said.

The two countries have elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during the summit.

Both sides should well implement the outcomes of the summit, strengthen the mechanism building of the FOCAC to keep advancing the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and China-Africa cooperation, Li added.

Trovoada said the important new measures put forward at the summit for China and Africa to jointly promote modernization will bring more opportunities for the development of his country and the continent. He sincerely thanked China for its strong support to the country's economic and social development while pledging continuous commitment to the one-China principle.