Xi meets Togo's president of Council of Ministers, elevating bilateral ties to community with shared future for new era

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the Council of Ministers of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the Council of Ministers of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé in Beijing on Tuesday, during which the two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era. Xi pointed out that the traditional China-Togo friendship was personally forged by leaders of an older generation of both countries, enjoying a solid foundation and growing ever stronger with the passage of time. China and Togo share aligned visions for friendly cooperation and enjoy broad prospects ahead, Xi said. Xi called on the two sides to further enhance exchanges at all levels between the two parties and the two countries, deepen the sharing of experiences in governance, and firmly support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns. China welcomes Togo to effectively utilize measures such as China's zero-tariff policy and the "green channel" for products exported to China, further enhance its role as a regional hub for trade and logistics, and facilitate the entry of more distinctive local and regional products into the Chinese market, Xi added. Xi noted that China appreciates Togo's efforts to expand the cross-border use of the RMB and is willing to strengthen cooperation with Togo in new energy, digital intelligence and other fields to support Togo's industrialization process. Noting that China and Togo share similar positions on international and regional affairs, Xi also called on the two sides to enhance multilateral coordination. Xi put forward four principles for the constructive participation of all parties in the settlement of hotspot issues in Africa. First, adhering to the principle of "Africa-led." The African people are the true masters of Africa and should play a central role in regional affairs, Xi said. Second, upholding fairness and justice. All participating parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, he noted. Third, promoting ceasing hostilities for peace. Wars and unilateral sanctions cannot fundamentally resolve conflicts between countries. It is imperative to uphold mutual respect, conduct extensive consultations, seek common ground while shelving differences, and practice mutual understanding and accommodation. Fourth, addressing both symptoms and root causes. Efforts should focus on immediate security while planning for long-term development, Xi said. Faure, who is on an official visit to China, said that during his visit, he personally witnessed the remarkable achievements of Chinese modernization and the extensive promotion of fine traditional Chinese culture under the leadership of President Xi, and gained a deeper understanding of China's governance philosophy and the key to success. Noting that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said Togo is willing to enhance mutual trust with China, strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen enduring and mutually beneficial cooperation to jointly build a Togo-China community with a shared future for the new era, and better benefit the two peoples. The Togolese side fully agrees with the important principles proposed by President Xi for the constructive participation of all parties in the settlement of hotspot issues in Africa, Faure said. He expressed Togolese appreciation for China on its significant role in maintaining world peace and stability and jointly addressing global challenges, as well as the willingness to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China, jointly uphold multilateralism, and safeguard the interests of developing countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the Council of Ministers of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)