Beijing, 16 May 2023 (TDI): Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki is visiting China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. President Xi Jinping held a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People to welcome President Isaias Afwerki and his delegation.
The Eritrean President is visiting China on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Eritrea.
The welcoming ceremony included a 21-gun salute in honor of President Afwerki and his delegation.
The Eritrean President also laid a wreath at the Monument of People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square.
President Xi Jinping said that China appreciates Eritrea for pursuing a long-standing independent foreign policy. President Xi said that on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries on May 24, the two countries should take the opportunity to promote better development of the bilateral relationship.
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The Eritrean President also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Li Qiang said that bilateral ties between the two countries have transformed from normative ties to strategic relationships and tangible cooperation.
President Isaias Afwerki said that relations between Eritrea and China go back 60 years and thanked the Communist Party of China (CPC) for extending moral and material support to the struggle of the Eritrean people for independence.
Both sides discussed investment and development in a broad range of areas and sectors that include manufacturing, coastal development, blue economy, mining, education, health, and human capacity development.
China is increasing its influence in the Horn of Africa. Last year china’s top diplomat, Wang, visited Eritrea and met President Afwerki. The two sides issued a joint statement calling for strategic partnership and mutual support and highlighted shared values.
