China and Guinea-Bissau have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, as President Xi Jinping and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló announced during talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 10, 2024.
The two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and the blue economy. President Xi reaffirmed China’s support for Guinea-Bissau’s independent development and committed to ongoing assistance in food security and public health, including the deployment of rice experts and medical teams.
Xi emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the nations and their shared history of overcoming colonization. He highlighted the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a platform for mutual development and expressed China’s readiness to work with Guinea-Bissau and other African countries to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
President Embaló expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support, especially during difficult times. He affirmed Guinea-Bissau’s support for the one-China principle and praised China’s development achievements and non-interference policy. Embaló highlighted China’s contributions to Africa’s infrastructure and expressed a desire to learn from China’s development model.
Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral agreements on economic development, customs, geology, and mining. They also issued a Joint Statement on Establishing a Strategic Partnership.
Earlier, a welcoming ceremony featured a military band, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of the honor guard. The day concluded with a banquet hosted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan in honor of President Embaló and his delegation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the events.
