Xi urges to deepen coordination with Mali in international affairs

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 3 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged here Thursday to deepen cooperation and coordination with Mali in international affairs.

Xi said China would actively participate in the UN peacekeeping operation in Mali during a meeting here with his Malian counterpart Ibrahim Boubacar Keita prior to the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The two countries have achieved fruitful results in all areas of practical cooperation, he said, adding that the Chinese side stands ready to translate the traditional friendship into driving forces for further cooperation.

Xi called on the two sides to strengthen friendly exchanges in various fields and deepen cooperation in agriculture, mining, infrastructure construction and human resources development.

On cultural exchanges, the Chinese president urged to strengthen bilateral cooperation and communication in the fields of education, culture, public health, youth, women, think tanks and media.

Referring to the hotel attack in Mali's capital in November, Xi strongly condemned the brutality that caused serious casualties including three Chinese citizens.

China will work together with Mali and the international community to safeguard world peace, he stressed.

For his part, Keita expressed his deep condolences for the three Chinese victims in the attack and hailed their help in his country's building.

Mali always remains a faithful friend of China, with solid foundations for bilateral ties and win-win cooperation of mutual benefits, Keita said.

He appreciates China's consistent support for his country's peace, stability and development, and Beijing's active participation in the UN peacekeeping operation.

Xi stays in South Africa on Dec. 2-5 to co-chair the Johannesburg Summit of the FOCAC and for his second state visit to the country.