On the evening of September 6, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-South Sudan relationship to a strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping noted that China was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with South Sudan. Over the past 13 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have built strong political mutual trust and achieved fruitful cooperation results in various fields. Mutual respect and sincere cooperation form the foundation of China-South Sudan relations, and working together for common development is the future of bilateral relations. Building a rich and dynamic China-South Sudan relationship meets the common expectations and long-term interests of the two peoples. China is willing to share development experience and opportunities with South Sudan, continue to implement educational technology and other projects, strengthen cooperation in fields such as petroleum, mining and agriculture, and help South Sudan's economic diversification. China is ready to work with South Sudan to implement various outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and push for more in-depth solid bilateral cooperation.
Xi Jinping stressed that China supports South Sudan in steadily advancing its political transition process, opposes external interference in South Sudan's internal affairs, and supports the South Sudanese people in taking their future and destiny into their own hands. He expressed the wish that South Sudan will realize lasting peace and development at an early date, saying that China will continue to speak up for South Sudan at the United Nations and on other multilateral occasions and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of South Sudan.
Salva Kiir Mayardit expressed his great appreciation for President Xi Jinping's important address at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, particularly the announcement of the ten partnership actions, and expressed willingness to work with China to actively implement them. The deep friendship between South Sudan and China is based on mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support. China is a good friend of South Sudan. Thanks to China's assistance and support, South Sudan's economy has recovered and people's livelihood has been improved. South Sudan firmly pursues the one-China policy and hopes to develop continuously the strategic partnership between the two countries. South Sudan will strive to provide a safe and sound environment for Chinese enterprises to operate in the country.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
