BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China appreciates Eritrea's adherence to an independent foreign policy and its efforts in firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, Xi said, adding that China views the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and stands ready to deepen political mutual trust, advance practical cooperation and achieve common development with Eritrea.

China is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and share experience on governance with Eritrea, Xi said.

China will make good use of initiatives and platforms such as Belt and Road cooperation, FOCAC, and the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa, deepen cooperation with Eritrea in fields including energy, infrastructure and agriculture, and facilitate Eritrea's industrialization and agricultural modernization, said the Chinese president.