China, Islamic Republic of Senegal decide to build long-term partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R) pose for photo with visiting Senegalese President Macky Sall (2nd L) and his wife Mareme Faye Sall in Beijing, China, Feb. 20, 2014.

China and Senegal on Thursday decided to build a long-term friendly and cooperative partnership during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Senegalese President Macky Sall.

The Republic of Senegal, which is located in West Africa, has a population of over 13.5 million with 94% being followers of the Islamic faith.

Xi called on the two sides to maintain high-level engagement, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.

"China is willing to increase imports of Senegal's agricultural products and carry out cooperation on plantation and processing. China will encourage more companies to invest in Senegal and list the west African country as a tourist destination for Chinese citizens," said XI

Xi also called on the two sides to conduct more coordination and cooperation on global and regional affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and strengthen their voice and representation in international affairs.

Senegal Grande Mosque in Ouakam

For his part, Sall spoke highly of projects China has helped Senegal build.

"China is strategically important to Senegal," said Sall. "Our republic hopes to deepen political trust, and expand bilateral cooperation in areas including energy, infrastructure construction, agricultural products, mineral products, communication and tourism, so as to promote Senegal's economic and social progress, and to strengthen its national governance capacity."

Sall also invited China to establish cultural centers in Senegal.

China-Africa relations were also on the agenda.

Xi said, "China supports African countries to search for a development path according to their own situation, and is ready to share experience with them on national governance, and promote common development."

"China will pay more attention to African countries' needs and "teach them how to fish instead of giving them fishes directly," to help them realize independent and sustainable development," Xi noted.

Xi vowed to work with Senegal to jointly promote the development of a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership.

Sall echoed Xi, saying China is the country giving the most assistance to Africa, and the continent is grateful for the valuable support.

Noting African countries are making efforts to obtain regional security and stability, promoting multinational and multi-regional intercommunication, and pushing forward economic growth, Sall said African nations wanted to learn from China's successful development and strengthen their cooperation.

The two presidents also witnessed the signing of an agreement on governmental economic and technological cooperation.

Sall was invited by Xi to pay a state visit to China from Feb. 19 to 22. This is his first visit to China since taking office in March 2012.