On January 3, 2012, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with Cote d'Ivoire's State and Foreign Affairs Minister Duncan in Abidjan.

Yang said that Cote d'Ivoire is an important partner of China in Africa. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have always respected and supported each other and developed the friendly cooperative relations steadily and healthily. As Cote d'Ivoire launches its economic and social construction undertaking, the bilateral cooperation will embrace new opportunities. China is willing to make joint efforts with Cote d'Ivoire to promote the in-depth and all-round development of the bilateral relations.

He noted that the two sides should focus on enhancing political mutual trust and enhance friendly exchanges in various fields and at all levels; put emphasis on promoting peaceful reconstruction and expand the bilateral pragmatic trade and economic cooperation; highlight cultural exchanges and broaden the social foundation of friendship between the two countries; proceed from maintaining common interest to strengthen solidarity in regional and international affairs. China is willing to make joint efforts with African countries including Cote d'Ivoire and use the important platform of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to constantly push forward China-Africa new type of strategic partnership.

Duncan extended welcome to Yang and his delegation to his country at the beginning of the New Year and expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for its firm support for Cote d'Ivoire in the process of economic recovery and reconstruction. He said that the friendly cooperative relations between Cote d'Ivoire and China have been strengthened with the support of leaders of both sides. The two sides maintain frequent high-level political contacts and have sped up economic cooperation. Cultural and technological exchanges are also progressing significantly. Cote d'Ivoire expects to further step up cooperation with China to create a better future of the bilateral friendly relations.

The two sides also exchanged opinions on the regional and international issues of common concern. Following the talks, the two sides signed the economic and technological cooperation agreement.