Chinese President Xi Jinping and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future in the new era.

A statement announced the two presidents’ decision following talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during Mr Gnassingbé’s official visit to China.

Mr Xi said the traditional friendship between China and Togo, established by earlier generations of leaders, remained deeply rooted and had stood the test of time. He said both countries had consistently strengthened cooperation, mutual understanding and people-to-people ties, contributing to China-Africa solidarity and a shared future.

Mr Xi said the two countries’ aligned development visions and longstanding friendship provided a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. 

He urged stronger exchanges between the ruling parties and governments, greater sharing of governance experiences, and mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests.

Mr Xi described China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries as a special arrangement designed to support Africa’s independent development and deepen China-Africa cooperation. He encouraged Togo to maximise opportunities offered by the policy and designated green channels for African exports to access the Chinese market.

Mr Xi said the initiatives could strengthen Togo’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub while expanding market access for Togolese and neighbouring countries’ specialty products. He also welcomed Togo’s initiative to expand cross-border use of the Chinese yuan, pledging stronger cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology and intelligent industries.

Such partnerships, Mr Xi said, would support Togo’s industrialisation ambitions while creating fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial economic development.

On international affairs, Mr Xi called for stronger China-Togo coordination in multilateral institutions, improved global governance and concerted efforts to promote regional peace and security. He outlined four principles for constructive international engagement in resolving conflicts across Africa, emphasising African leadership, fairness, peaceful settlement and sustainable development.

Mr Xi stressed that African people should remain central to decisions affecting their continent, while all parties respected the United Nations Charter, national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He maintained that hostilities and unilateral sanctions could not provide lasting solutions, urging dialogue, consultation, mutual understanding and accommodation to resolve disputes.

Mr Xi further advocated addressing both immediate security challenges and their underlying causes through long-term development planning and sustained efforts to build peace.

Mr Gnassingbé said his visit had deepened his appreciation of China’s modernisation achievements, cultural heritage and governance philosophy under Mr Xi’s leadership. He said Togo would strengthen mutual trust, expand dialogue and deepen long-term cooperation with China ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Mr Gnassingbé pledged to encourage Chinese investment and broaden cooperation in trade, infrastructure, science and technology, while endorsing Mr Xi’s principles for resolving African conflicts. He commended China’s contributions to global peace and stability, expressing Togo’s readiness to strengthen multilateral cooperation, defend multilateralism and advance developing countries’ shared interests.

(NAN)