BEIJING, May 15 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove on assuming the presidency of Togo.

Also on Wednesday, Xi sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo's Council of Ministers.

Xi said that friendly relations between China and Togo have been jointly established and carefully nurtured by the generations of leaders of both countries.

Over half a century, the two sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, he said.

He also noted that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on matters of their core interests and major concerns, and have become a model of equality among nations, regardless of size, as well as unity and cooperation in the Global South.

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China and Togo have elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, he said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togo relations and is willing to work with Togo's leaders to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit the people of both countries.

Also on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo's Council of Ministers.