1st LD: China, Sudan to establish strategic partnership: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and Sudan will issue a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir, who is in Beijing to attend commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II.

China and Sudan have always understood and supported each other since they established diplomatic ties 56 years ago, with fruitful achievements in their pragmatic cooperation, he said.

He described the countries' joint statement on the strategic partnership as another milestone in the history of their bilateral relations.

China values its friendship with Sudan and is willing to make concerted efforts with the African nation to continue promoting the strategic partnership, Xi said.

The Chinese president called on the two sides to consolidate mutual strategic trust and continue to firmly support each other on issues of major concern.

China and Sudan should deepen cooperation in such areas as petroleum, infrastructure construction, agriculture, renewable energy, and technology, he said.

The two countries should also strengthen exchanges in culture, education, health, tourism and other fields, he said, adding that China is ready to continue to offer intellectual support for Sudan's economic and social development. Endi