On the afternoon of July 19, 2012, President Hu Jintao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is in Beijing for a visit and to attend the opening ceremony of the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Bilateral relations have achieved comprehensive development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 42 years ago, said Hu, adding that the two countries have treated each other with sincerity and shown mutual support and assistance for each other. China attaches great importance to ties with Equatorial Guinea and is willing to work with it to push bilateral ties for greater development.

Hu raised a three-point proposal on developing bilateral ties. First, he called on the two sides to deepen political cooperation, maintain friendly exchanges between governments and parties of the two countries, build up political trust and continue to support each other on major issues concerning sovereignty and security. Second, he hoped that the two sides promote cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and human resources, adding that China will provide assistance to Equatorial Guinea's development within its capacity. Third, he also suggested the two countries enhance coordination in international affairs, so as to jointly safeguard the common interests of the developing countries.

Obiang praised the substantial achievements made in bilateral friendly cooperation and appreciated China's active participation in Equatorial Guinea's national development as well as its contributions to Equatorial Guinea's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. He noted facts prove that China is a good friend of Equatorial Guinea and his country cherishes the traditional friendship with China. He said Equatorial Guinea is willing to maintain high-level exchanges, beef up cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, agriculture, infrastructure and health, so as to achieve common development. Equatorial Guinea stands for democratization of the international relations and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China in major international and regional affairs.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcome ceremony for Obiang's visit. State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and Chinese Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea Wang Shixiong attended the welcome ceremony.