Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig, the outgoing Sudanese ambassador to China and the newly appointed foreign minister of Sudan, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated Siddig on his assumption of office as Sudanese foreign minister, and expressed appreciation for his contributions to promoting the development of China-Sudan relations during his tenure as ambassador to China.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Sudan, Wang called on both sides to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, promote continuous fruitful results in the bilateral relations, and bring benefits to the two peoples.
China supports Sudan firmly in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Sudan in achieving peace, stability and development at an early date, said Wang, adding that China will continue to provide humanitarian assistance within its own capacity.
Siddig said that Sudan regards China as its most important partner and a trustworthy friend, prioritizes cooperation with China, and will continue to support China firmly in safeguarding its core interests.
As the new foreign minister, he will continue to spare no effort to promote the development of the Sudan-China strategic partnership, and will work collaboratively to implement a series of important global initiatives proposed by China.
Chinese FM meets with new Sudanese counterpart
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
