Chinese FM: China willing to strengthen ties with Djibouti

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said China is willing to step up cooperation with Djibouti in various sectors, including infrastructure projects for transportation and livelihood improvement. Wang made the remarks on Tuesday when meeting with Djiboutian foreign minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in Djibouti, saying bilateral ties have gained tremendous improvement since China and Djibouti established diplomatic relations 35 years ago. China has actively participated in construction of infrastructure and livelihood projects in Djibouti, Wang said. Bilateral trade and investment have seen continuous increase, Wang said, adding Djibouti has become an important gateway to the east African market for Chinese products as well as important port for rest and replenishment for Chinese navy escort fleet. "China is willing to work with Djibouti to push forward the partnership on the base of mutual trust and deepen cooperation in various sectors," Wang said. China will encourage capable and reliable companies to involve in the construction of ports and transportation projects in Djibouti to promote its status of transport hub in east Africa, Wang said. China will increase support to livelihood projects in Djibouti and expand cooperation in defense and security sectors to jointly combat piracy and terrorism, he added. Ali Youssouf said China is a significant partner for Africa and Djibouti, and that the China-Djibouti relationship is of strategic importance for Djibouti. China has offered tremendous help in areas of infrastructure, education, health and water, which significantly enhanced the sustainable development of Djibouti, he said. Ali Youssouf hopes China continues its support for Djibouti and Djibouti is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on security and push the bilateral ties to a higher level. The two foreign ministers also signed an agreement to exempt diplomatic passport holders from either of their countries from acquiring visas to visit the other country.