On April 16, 2016, at the invitation of President of the National Assembly Guillaume Soro of Cote d'Ivoire, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Yu Zhengsheng paid an official goodwill visit to Cote d'Ivoire. During his visit from April 13 to 16, he met with President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire, held talks with President of the National Assembly Guillaume Soro, inspected some projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises and held discussions with local representatives of overseas Chinese.

When meeting with President Alassane Ouattara, Yu Zhengsheng conveyed warm greetings from President Xi Jinping. Yu Zhengsheng said that China-Cote d'Ivoire relations are now at their historic best. My visit this time is aimed at promoting the implementation of results yielded from the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, advancing the docking of "ten major China-Africa cooperation plans" announced by President Xi Jinping and the national development plan of Cote d'Ivoire from 2016 to 2020, and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in fields including industrialization, agricultural modernization and infrastructure construction, so as to make China-Cote d'Ivoire friendly cooperation continuously score new achievements.

Alassane Ouattara expressed that, the "ten major China-Africa cooperation plans" announced by President Xi Jinping reflects China's sincere wishes and firm commitment to dedicate itself to enhancing cooperation with Africa. It is a right strategic choice for China to make Africa a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner. The realization of open economy and diversified development of African countries through giving play to their own potential can not be separated from China's assistance. Cote d'Ivoire appreciates China's consistent support for its economic and social development. Cote d'Ivoire is expecting to reinforce cooperation in all fields with China.

During his talks with President of the National Assembly Guillaume Soro, Yu Zhengsheng conveyed sincere greetings from Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhang Dejiang. Yu Zhengsheng said that since the establishment of China-Cote d'Ivoire diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and rendered mutual support on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns. Substantial results have been yielded in cooperation in all fields. To push China-Cote d'Ivoire relations to a new level, both sides should increase high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust and strengthen personnel friendly exchanges in all fields and at all levels. Both sides should expand practical cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, increase Cote d'Ivoire's development level of the industry through expanding cooperation in processing industry and create more local employment opportunities. Both sides should reinforce people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance cooperation in vocational training and extend cooperation in medical and health care. Both sides should also strengthen communication and enhance coordination in international affairs. The CPPCC stands ready to deepen friendly cooperation with the National Assembly of Cote d'Ivoire, and strengthen communication and mutual learning.

Guillaume Soro said that Cote d'Ivoire and China are good brothers and partners. Strengthening cooperation with China is conducive to Cote d'Ivoire's acceleration of industrialization process and social cause development. Cote d'Ivoire admires China's development achievements, and the National Assembly of Cote d'Ivoire is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the CPPCC and legislative bodies to draw on China's successful development experience and push forward bilateral practical cooperation.

After the talks, when jointly meeting the press with Guillaume Soro, Yu Zhengsheng expressed that only by enhancing mutually-beneficial cooperation on an equal footing among countries can all countries gain more opportunities for their economic development and improvement in people's living standard. China's cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire is in the common interests of both sides.

In recognition of Yu Zhengsheng's significant contribution to promoting Cote d'Ivoire-China relations, President of the National Assembly Guillaume Soro conferred on him "National Order of the Legion of Honour (Commander) of Cote d'Ivoire".

When inspecting the rehabilitation and expansion project of Abidjan port contracted by China Harbour Engineering Company, Yu Zhengsheng encouraged the Chinese staff to implement, via practical work, the important spirit of President Xi Jinping's speech on reinforcing China-Africa cooperation, and build high-quality projects, in a move to advance Cote d'Ivoire's development in the future. During the inspection of the safe city project of Abidjan, he expected that Huawei, the Chinese contractor of the project, could successfully complete the project in line with the operation principle of openness and cooperation to contribute to local social stability. In the recently renewed Culture Palace of Abidjan by Qingjian Group of China, Yu Zhengsheng hoped that this China-aided facility could be put into good use so as to promote the development of cultural undertakings of Cote d'Ivoire.

When discussing with representatives of overseas Chinese, Yu Zhengsheng hoped that the overseas Chinese in Cote d'Ivoire can seize the new opportunity brought by China-Africa cooperation, respect local culture and customs, abide by local laws, and fulfill correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefits, in a bid to make more contributions to the development of China-Cote d'Ivoire relations.

Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the CPPCC National Committee Zhang Qingli and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Liu Xiaofeng attended the above-mentioned activities.