Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with visiting Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Beijing. Our reporter Yu Li has more details on the two leaders' meeting.

A ceremony demonstrating 30 years of friendship between China and Eritrea.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed his Eritrean counterpart President Isaias Afwerki at the Square of the Great Hall of People.

The two leaders held talks after the ceremony, discussing a variety of issues.

YU LI Beijing "During the talks, President Xi emphasized the deep friendship between China and Eritrea. May 24 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and over the past three decades, the two countries have maintained mutual trust and support."

President Xi also emphasized that mutual respect, support, understanding and assistance, will always be the foundation of the friendship between China and the African continent.

LI WENTAO Director, Institute of African Studies China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations "It's been over ten years since President Isaias visited China last time. During the period, China has entered into the new era and has been striving for the Two Centenary Goals and to build Chinese path to moderation especially after the 20th CPC National Congress. And at the meantime, Eritrea has significant aspirations for its own development, it hopes to reached consensus on strategic development through high-level dialogues between the two countries."

Li points out that Eritrea plays a crucial role in regional security in the politically complex Horn of Africa. And geographically, Eritrea serves as a strategic gateway connecting Africa, Asia and Europe.

LI WENTAO Director, Institute of African Studies China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations "The Horn of Africa, where Eritrea is located, is seen as one of the most geopolitically complex regions in Africa. We have witnessed the outbreak of internal conflict in Ethiopia, and the security situation in Somalia is also challenging. As an important country in the region, Eritrea plays a vital role in promoting peace and security. In recent years, China has actively participated in addressing the peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa. We have engaged in constructive efforts, including establishing a special envoy for the Horn of Africa and proposing peace initiatives. However, the success of these proposals and initiatives relies on the support of countries in the region, and Eritrea plays a crucial role in addressing the relevant issues in the Horn of Africa."