President Xi Jinping and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe agreed to work toward a stronger bilateral relationship and closer China-Africa friendship, as the two leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Togo on Monday.

In his message, Xi said the two countries have treated each other with sincerity and friendship despite changes in the international situation over the past half century, and have firmly supported each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns.

Bilateral cooperation, which is pragmatic and fruitful, has brought concrete benefits to the people of both countries, he said.

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese and Togolese people have assisted each other to jointly overcome difficulties, writing a new chapter of bilateral friendship, Xi said.

Noting that he highly values developing China's relations with Togo, Xi said he stands ready to work with his Togolese counterpart to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary to consolidate mutual political trust and deepen cooperation in all fields under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The president also pledged to join hands with Gnassingbe to bring bilateral relationship to a higher level and positively contribute to building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

Gnassingbe said the two countries have enjoyed a solid, stable and fruitful partnership since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and China has always been a key strategic partner of Togo as the African nation explores a comprehensive and sustainable path of development.

Togo appreciates China for always standing with African countries and for being committed to strengthening the China-Africa partnership to achieve common prosperity, Gnassingbe said.

He also said Togo firmly upholds the one-China principle, and he is willing to work with Xi to enhance Togo-China friendship and cooperation.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn