Chinese, Togolese presidents agree to upgrade cooperation

In people-to-people relations, Xi noted that China stands ready to push forward cooperation with Togo in culture, education, travel and other areas and increase exchanges between youth, women, media and think tanks.

The two countries can also enhance collaboration in African peace and stability, UN-designated 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other major global and regional issues, in order to safeguard the rights of developing countries and promote democracy in international relations, Xi said.

China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, Xi said, stressing China will implement the outcomes of the latest summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last December in Johannesburg in a comprehensive manner to seek win-win results and common development.

Gnassingbe said Togo appreciates China's long-term support and assistance to the country, vowing to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Togo hopes China will continue to back the country in improving people's livelihood, agriculture, infrastructure, port economic development, peace, security and other areas, Gnassingbe said.

He pledged that Togo welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country and will create favorable policy and legal conditions for them.

Speaking highly of China's role in international affairs and the Belt and Road Initiative, Gnassingbe stressed Togo is ready to work with China to actively implement the results of the FOCAC Johannesburg summit.

Togo regards China as the most sincere friend of the country and Africa, he said, noting that Togo firmly adheres to the one-China principle.

Following the talks, the two heads of state witnessed a signing ceremony of cooperative documents.