On November 23, 2017, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, who was in China for a state visit. The two heads of state agreed to establish China-Djibouti strategic partnership so as to comprehensively deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Xi Jinping pointed out that President Ismail Omar Guelleh is the first head of state of an African country to visit China after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which fully demonstrates the closeness and amity of China-Djibouti relations. China attaches high importance to bilateral relations. The two countries have always enjoyed equal treatment, mutual respect and mutual support since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 38 years ago. China is willing to, together with Djibouti, speed up the implementation of the results of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, jointly boost the "Belt and Road" construction and comprehensively deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that in recent years, China and Djibouti have constantly enhanced political mutual trust, and achieved fruitful outcomes from cooperation in various fields, fully showing the strategic significance and high level of bilateral relations. Both sides should continuously maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields including governments, legislative institutions, political parties, and local authorities, strengthen communication and mutual learning of experience on state governance and administration as well as development, and support each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. China welcomes Djibouti to participate in the "Belt and Road" construction, and is ready to work with Djibouti to steadily promote bilateral practical cooperation, in a bid to make infrastructure projects including railways, ports, water supply, liquefied natural gas pipelines, as well as the building of the free trade zone and agricultural cooperation achieve sound economic and social benefits. China stands ready to continue assisting Djibouti in improving its medical conditions, expand cooperation in human resources development, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in youths, women, think tanks, media and other areas, in a bid to consolidate the public opinion foundation and social basis of bilateral friendship. China supports Djibouti in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to work with the country to enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and peace and security in Africa, and jointly safeguard the common interests of both countries and developing countries, so as to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Ismail Omar Guelleh expressed that he was very pleased to be the first head of state of an African country to visit China since the 19th CPC National Congress. He congratulated on the successful convening of the Congress and Xi Jinping's re-election as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and spoke highly of the enshrinement of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into the CPC Constitution. Ismail Omar Guelleh noted that Djibouti is a good friend of China, and regards China as a top-priority and indispensable partner. He expressed satisfaction with the constant consolidation and development of bilateral relations for decades, and thanked China for its assistance and support to the country over the years. Djibouti enjoys a unique geographical position, and is willing to actively participate in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", and enhance cooperation with China in infrastructure, people's livelihood and other areas. Djibouti appreciates China's active engagement in UN peacekeeping operations and international cooperation in combating piracy, and thanks China for its critical role in world peace and prosperity. The country appreciates China for its long-term contributions to security and development in Africa even in days when China itself was poor and backward. Adhering to the one-China policy, Djibouti commits to developing strategic partnership with China, is delighted to see China regain its due status in the world affairs and will work closely with China in multilateral affairs.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the 19th CPC National Congress has formulated major policies and action guidelines for the long-term development of China. We have full confidence in the development path we have chosen, and in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue an opening strategy with mutual benefit and win-win results, and be committed to working with other countries to jointly build a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind. No matter what stage of development it reaches and how the international situation changes, China will always and firmly stand together with the vast developing countries including Africa, insist on the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit and be a sincere and reliable partner of developing countries forever.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperative documents covering economic and technical cooperation, agriculture and other areas.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Ismail Omar Guelleh at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Yan Junqi, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Luo Fuhe and others were present.