Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani voiced strong optimism for the 2026 China-Arab States Summit to be held in China, calling it a new and important milestone in the growing partnership between China and the Arab world.
Speaking to China Media Group (CMG) on Thursday, he highlighted the growing partnership between China and Arab nations, noting that countries across the region are eager to build on the achievements made during the first summit.
"The first China-Arab States Summit was held in Riyadh in 2022. I attended on behalf of Mauritania, while President Xi Jinping represented China. We met during the summit, which was a great success. I believe that the second summit, which will take place in China, will be even more successful. The Arab nations are entering the summit with unified optimism. All of us in the Arab world are looking forward to it with great optimism. We believe it will mark a new and important milestone in China-Arab relations," said Ghazouani.
The president also spoke highly of the economic collaboration between the two sides.
"China-Arab trade has achieved remarkable results. In 2024, trade volume surpassed 400 billion U.S. dollars, which is a very significant figure. We all hope this relationship will deepen further, bringing economic benefits to both Arab nations and China. Without a doubt, expectations for this upcoming summit are even higher," said Ghazouani.
Mauritanian president expects 2026 China-Arab States Summit to deepen cooperation
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
