On the afternoon of February 13, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Togolese counterpart Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe in the Great Hall of the People and both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations, as well as issues of common interest. The two heads of state made highly positive comments on the cause of bilateral friendship pioneered by the older generations of leaderships of the two countries and agreed to carry forward the traditional friendship between both sides and push the friendly cooperative relations in the new century to a new level.

Hu said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, both sides have shown sincerity and mutual reliance to each other, shared weal and woe and established a profound friendship. This friendship has surpassed geographical and cultural differences and withstood the tests of changeable international situations and the changes in their respective domestic circumstances. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the areas of politics, economy & trade, culture & education and health have scored remarkable achievements. Togo has become China's important trading partner in West Africa. Both sides have shown mutual understanding and kept close cooperation in international affairs. President Faure and the Togolese government attach great importance to relations with China, adhere to the one-China policy and support China's grand cause of reunification. China appreciates and thanks for this.

Faure said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and there are no problems between the two countries. Togo's development in the areas of economy, agriculture, education and health has benefited from the sound development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations and the Togolese government and people thank the Chinese government for its sincere assistance over the years. The Togolese government has always pursued unequivocally and resolutely the one-China policy, which will never change.

Hu noted that currently bilateral relations have entered a new development stage. In order to push the cooperation in various areas for all-round and in-depth development, China would like to continue strengthening bilateral high-level exchanges with Togo and expand friendly exchanges between their governments, legislatures and parties. Both sides should further elevate the level of economic and trade cooperation in the principle of equality and mutual benefits, tangible effects and common development. They should focus on their cooperation in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure construction, telecommunications and electric power, actively explore various ways and approaches for expanded cooperation and deepen the cooperation in the areas of culture & education, health and human resources development. Both sides should also strengthen consultations and communication in multilateral affairs, show mutual understanding and support on major issues involving their respective fundamental interest and maintain coordination and cooperation on key issues concerning common rights and interest of development nations in a bid to safeguard world peace and promote common development.

Faure fully agreed with Hu's proposals on deepening bilateral relations. He said that China has scored great achievements in economic and social development and accumulated rich experience. Togo would like to strengthen exchanges with China, further develop bilateral relations and conduct all forms of cooperation at various levels in the areas of economy & trade, telecommunications, science & technology and infrastructure construction. Togo would also like to jointly commit to promoting regional and world peace and development with China.

When talking about China-Africa relations, Hu said that the consistent policy of the Chinese government is to consolidate the traditional friendship, strengthen unity and cooperation and support African countries to join forces for self-improvement and seek revitalization and development. The first summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (CACF) to be held in Beijing this year is a great event in the history of the development of China-Africa relations. China would like to further implement its policies and proposals towards Africa through this effective platform and write a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation and common development in the new century jointly with African countries.

Faure indicated that the first summit of the CACF to be held in Beijing this year is conducive to deepening mutual understanding between both sides. Togo and other African nations would like to take this as an opportunity to keep closer cooperation with China and jointly promote the development of Africa-China friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on bilateral economic and technological cooperation and other documents. Prior to the talks, Hu held a welcome ceremony for Faure's visit to China at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ismail Amat, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Huang Mengfu, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party Sang Guowei, Minister of Information Industry Wang Xudong, Chinese Ambassador to Togo Zhang Shixian and other officials attended the welcome ceremony.