Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo meet to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

In a significant diplomatic meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and pursuing common development. Premier Li emphasized the enduring friendship and reliable partnership between China and Guinea-Bissau. He highlighted the continuous progress in bilateral relations, guided by the strategic direction of both heads of state, which has resulted in fruitful cooperation.

(240710) — BEIJING, July 10, 2024 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Umaro Sissoco Embalo, president of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, who is on a state visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Xi held talks with Embalo at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

“China is dedicated to deepening political mutual trust and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Guinea-Bissau,” Li stated. He reiterated China’s support for Guinea-Bissau’s sovereignty, security, and independent development, underscoring the importance of aligning development strategies and sharing development experiences.

Li emphasized the use of key platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to enhance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. He expressed China’s willingness to import more quality agricultural products from Guinea-Bissau and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in the country, urging Guinea-Bissau to provide support and convenience for these endeavors.

Additionally, Li highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges, particularly in medical care, health, and education, welcoming more Guinea-Bissau students to study in China.

President Embalo expressed deep appreciation for China’s long-term support for Guinea-Bissau’s economic and social development. He affirmed Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to strengthening practical cooperation with China in various fields, including economy, trade, and infrastructure.

Embalo reiterated Guinea-Bissau’s adherence to the one-China principle and support for major global initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. He expressed readiness to collaborate with China to achieve significant outcomes at the upcoming FOCAC summit in China this fall.

The meeting marks a strengthening of the already robust ties between China and Guinea-Bissau, promising enhanced cooperation and shared development in the years to come.