Libya agrees to form strategic partnership

President Xi Jinping and the Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohammad Al-Manfi jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Libya on Wednesday as part of the countries' efforts to strengthen ties.

They made the announcement during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi pointed out that China and Libya have enjoyed a long-standing traditional friendship. Over the 46 years since they established diplomatic relations, the two countries have always supported and treated each other sincerely, he said.

No matter how the international landscape evolves, China remains unchanged in its support for Libya's stable development and the promotion of friendly cooperation with it, he said.

Xi expressed China's willingness to deepen mutual political trust with Libya and expand exchanges and cooperation to promote the long-term and steady development of bilateral ties.

China supports Libya in rebuilding its economy and improving people's livelihoods, Xi said. He expressed the hope that Libya will create a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises.

Al-Manfi said that China is very important to Libya in terms of peace and economic development.

He said that Libya is willing to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Libya firmly upholds the one-China principle, he added, and will not change that position under any circumstances.