Ties with Cameroon elevated to new level

China pledged on Wednesday to advance cooperation with Cameroon in fields such as infrastructure, industrial development, connectivity, agriculture and healthcare to assist the African country's efforts in developing a diversified economy.

The commitment was made when President Xi Jinping met with visiting Cameroonian President Paul Biya in Beijing. The two heads of state also announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said Biya's attendance at all the FOCAC summits held in Beijing showed the African leader's high regard for developing China-Africa cooperation as well as his profound friendship with China.

China is willing to work together with Cameroon for more substantive cooperation and bring the two countries' relationship to a higher level, he said. Xi also said China appreciates Cameroon's active participation in multilateral affairs and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Cameroon to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Biya, who is making his eighth visit to China, said bilateral ties have maintained positive momentum over the years, and many Chinese-invested projects in Cameroon have greatly boosted his country's economic development. Cameroon welcomes more Chinese investment to help the country transform its advantages such as mineral resources into the driving force of development, he said.

Biya also said his country firmly adheres to the one-China principle, appreciates and supports the series of global initiatives proposed by Xi, and will strengthen multilateral coordination with China for world peace and international justice.