Xi calls for upgrading China-Mozambique ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for upgrading the relationship between China and Mozambique to a community with a shared future in the new era.

Xi made the proposal as he held talks with visiting Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo in Beijing, with the two heads of state agreeing to elevate bilateral ties to a new level.

Noting the two sides marked a significant diplomatic milestone last year, Xi urged for the long-standing friendship between the two countries to be further strengthened going forward.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, China and Mozambique have maintained mutual trust and always supported each other, setting a fine example of China-Africa friendship and South-South cooperation. Last year, we jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," said Xi.

"Under the new circumstances, continuously deepening friendly cooperation between China and Mozambique meets the common aspiration of the peoples of both countries and aligns with the trend of the times in which the Global South strengthens solidarity and cooperation to jointly address challenges. Therefore, I suggest upgrading bilateral ties to a China-Mozambique community with a shared future in the new era," he said.

Chapo is currently on a state visit to China from April 16 to 22 at the invitation of Xi.

A freight train and a bus collided in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon, killing at least eight people, local media reported.

At around 15:40, a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing in Ratchathewi District, triggering a fire accompanied by an explosion. Several other cars and motorcycles were also involved.

More than 20 people were injured, according to the Thai transport ministry, as rescuers rushed to the scene to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.

Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in an interview with Thai media that the bus had stopped at the railway crossing due to a red light, preventing the railway barrier from lowering. The freight train was too heavy to brake in time, leading to the collision.