On May 30, 2016, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state agreed to take the implementation of the results achieved at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an opportunity to promote bilateral relations to a new level and bring more tangible benefits to both peoples.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the cause of China-Togo friendship was jointly forged and cultivated by Mr. President's father, President Gnassingbé Eyadema, and several generations of Chinese leaders. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 44 years ago, the two countries have supported each other in respective development process, and China-Togo relations have become a model of relations between large and small countries, featuring sincerity, friendliness, equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win results. At present, the two countries enjoy bright prospects in cooperation with matching development strategies and highly complementary economies. We are willing to work with various sides in Togo to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and Togo should strengthen political mutual trust, maintain the momentum of high-level contact, and enhance friendly exchanges between governments, political parties, legislative bodies and at local levels as well as others. Both sides should give play to the consultation and coordination mechanisms in politics, economy, trade and other aspects, strengthen policy communication and overall planning for bilateral cooperation, and promote in-depth development of cooperation in various fields. China is willing to encourage Chinese enterprises and financial institutions to support infrastructure construction in Togo through various forms and help Togo establish an industrial system of independent and sustainable development. China is ready to cooperate with Togo in such fields as crop growing, agricultural and fishery production, and product processing based on the agricultural technology demonstration centers aided by China, help the Togolese side enhance agricultural added value and increase farmers' income. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Togo in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, transnational organized crimes and other security areas, and assist Togo in strengthening its capacity building in national defense and social stability maintenance. China also stands ready to promote exchanges and cooperation with Togo in culture, education, tourism, youth, women, media, think tanks and other areas so as to consolidate the public opinion and social foundation for bilateral friendship. The two sides can also strengthen strategic collaboration on major global and regional issues such as African peace and security and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to jointly safeguard legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and promote democracy in international relations.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Africa have always been a community of common destiny that shares weal and woe. Developing unity and cooperation with African countries has always been the cornerstone of China's foreign policy. As China and Africa are facing new cooperation opportunities, China will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and the correct viewpoints of righteousness and benefit, comprehensively implement results from the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit and connect China's own development with assisting African development in order to achieve win-win cooperation and common development.

Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé said Togo and China enjoy a long history of friendship which grows stronger over time. Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 44 years ago, China and Togo have achieved fruitful results in mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. He appreciated the great support and help from the Chinese government and people for a long time. Togo is willing to strengthen cooperation in all areas with China, and hopes that China will continue to provide support to Togo in livelihood improvement, agricultural development, infrastructure construction, port economic development, peace, security and other areas. Togo welcomes more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in the country and participate in Togo's economic and social construction, and Togo will provide sound policy and legal environment to this end. Speaking highly of China's important role in international affairs, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé applauded China's "Belt and Road" initiative. Togo is willing to make joint effort with China in actively implementing the results of the FOCAC Johannesburg summit. Togo firmly adheres to the One-China policy and regards China as the most sincere friend of the country and Africa.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperative documents in such areas as diplomacy, economic technology and infrastructure construction.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Shen Yueyue, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Liu Xiaofeng and others attended the ceremony.