(Photo: CGTN)
China has invited Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore to attend the China-Africa cooperation summit scheduled for September in Beijing.
The invitation was forwarded to Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry on Monday during his meeting with Wang Yang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
During the meeting in Beijing, which came just two days after the two countries officially resumed ties, Barry reiterated his country's intentions to deepen cooperation with China as well as its commitment to the one-China principle. "The resumption of diplomatic relations with China is in line with historic trends and supported by the people of Burkina Faso," said Barry.
“We are happy to rejoin the China-Africa cooperation family and will abide by the one-China principle. We are looking to deepen cooperation with China and contribute to development of China-Africa relations as well as our bilateral relations with China," Barry added.
Such notions have been well accepted by China, now Africa's largest trade partner, with crucial investments in mining, infrastructure and banking systems throughout the continent. With one more member country of the African community joining its side, China hopes that cooperation with Burkina Faso will soon bear fruit ahead of the biggest economic summit with its African partners.
"I would like to take this opportunity to forward President Xi Jinping's greetings as well as his invitation for President Kabore's participation in the China-Africa cooperation summit to be held in Beijing this September. I believe with our joint efforts, our countries will have made some practical achievements by then, and such achievements will be important results of your current visit,” said Wang.
The chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC Wang Yang (R) meets with Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry (L) in Beijing, May 28, 2018. (Photo: Xinhua)
Burkina Faso is the fourth country to cut ties with Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen came to office. It follows the Dominican Republic, which also re-established ties early this month.
According to the World Bank, Burkina Faso imported some 330 million US dollars worth of Chinese goods in 2015. And with both countries now working to deepen corporation, China is not only looking to increase its influence in Burkina Faso, but also in Africa as a whole.