Li Qiang Meets with Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire Patrick Jérôme Achi

On March 29, 2023, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang met with Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire Patrick Jérôme Achi, who was in China for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023, in Boao, Hainan Province.

Li Qiang said that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Alassane Ouattara, China-Côte d'Ivoire relations have grown rapidly across the board. China views Côte d'Ivoire as an important partner, and stands ready to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a new starting point to forge ahead hand in hand on the path of development and revitalization, continuously elevate bilateral relations to new heights, and contribute to building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

Li Qiang pointed out that China appreciates Côte d'Ivoire's support for the Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and its firm commitment to the one-China principle. China will continue to firmly support Côte d'Ivoire's in moving toward modernization through a development path in line with its national conditions, and enhancing closer bilateral exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various fields. China stands ready to work with Côte d'Ivoire to seek greater synergy between development plans, and supports Côte d'Ivoire's efforts to create wealth for the people by developing agriculture and revitalize the country by advancing industrialization. China will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Côte d'Ivoire, and deepen and expand cooperation in such areas as agriculture, infrastructure, digital economy, new energy, and green development, so as to help Côte d'Ivoire realize food self-sufficiency at an early date and advance industrialization. China hopes that Côte d'Ivoire will provide a sound business environment and legal guarantees for Chinese enterprises. China supports Côte d'Ivoire's efforts in workforce development, stands ready to help Côte d'Ivoire train more talents urgently needed for development, and welcomes more youths of Côte d'Ivoire to China for study. China supports Côte d'Ivoire's security and development, and stands ready to carry out cooperation in light of Côte d'Ivoire's needs to help the country fight terrorism and maintain stability.

Achi congratulated China on its great victory in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting the sound relations between Côte d'Ivoire and China, he expressed appreciation for China's strong support for Côte d'Ivoire's pandemic response and infrastructure construction. He said that Côte d'Ivoire abides by the one-China principle, actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in the areas of investment, agriculture, education and training, youth and more, so as to help Côte d'Ivoire accelerate its economic and social development and boost its industrialization.

Wu Zhenglong was present at the meeting.