国内英语新闻:Togo-China ties a model of South-South cooperation: Chinese envoy

LOME, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China and Togo have developed a model of South-South cooperation and will continue to work hand in hand, the Chinese Ambassador to Togo, Liu Yuxi, has said.

Liu made the remarks in an opinion piece published in Togo's national daily Togo-Presse on Monday.

"The friendly and cooperation relations between China and Togo are a model of south-south cooperation," Liu said.

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe started on Sunday a state visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The relations between the two countries "have maintained a good momentum of development," Liu said.

Togo and China established diplomatic relations 44 years ago. It should be noted the initial years of the bilateral ties were witnessed by the then Togolese leader, Gnassingbe Eyadema, father of the current president.

The diplomatic ties are based on the principle of "sincere friendship, equality, mutual confidence, mutual support and common development," Liu said.

He described the China-Togo cooperation as "a great baobab three with luxuriant foliage and full of fruits."

"The economic and commercial cooperation yielded successful results and China has been maintaining its status of one of the most important donor countries for Togo."

Liu said the state visit to China by President Gnassingbe had "a historical significance for the cooperation between China and Togo."

He said China and Togo had always been mutually supportive on international and regional matters.

The two countries "cooperate closely to help strengthen the voice of developing countries for the purpose of establishing a more peaceful, inclusive, just and equitable new political and economic world order," Liu said.

Both countries are currently at "an important stage of structural reforms of economy and development," he said.

He said China and Togo should take the opportunity of President Gnassingbe's visit to China to further enhance cooperation, especially by implementing the plans laid out at a China-Africa summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa last December.