China, Togo elevate relations to community with shared future for new era

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Togo's President of the Council of Ministers Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era as they met in Beijing on Tuesday.

Gnassingbe is currently paying an official visit to China from October 9 to 16 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Speaking during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi extended a warm welcome to Gnassingbe, who he called a friend of the Chinese people.

"The traditional friendship between China and Togo was forged by the elder generation of leaders of our two countries. It has deep roots and has grown stronger over time. Over the years, we have stood together through thick and thin, writing a vivid chapter in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. China and Togo share a common vision for friendly cooperation, and the prospects for our cooperation are broad. That is why I propose elevating our bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era," Xi told Gnassingbe.

Gnassingbe emphasized the strong friendship between the two sides.

"We have come here in a spirit of friendship. You also pointed out that this friendship goes back a long way. It has continued to deepen and grow stronger, standing the test of time. We sincerely thank you for your decision to elevate our bilateral relations to a Togo-China community with a shared future for the new era. We will work together to live up to that trust," Gnassingbe told Xi in reply.

China, Togo elevate relations to community with shared future for new era

Cuba issued Decree-Law 135 on oil and gas on Monday to attract investment in exploration and production amid a worsening energy crisis.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines held a press conference on the new decree, stating that the measure aims to better meet the country's demand for fuels and derivatives and support the restoration of the national power system.

While stressing the country's energy sovereignty and jurisdiction over its energy resources, the new legislation promotes investment in the energy sector by domestic and foreign enterprises through more diverse cooperation models, according to Pedro Abigantus, director of the ministry's directorate of investments and oil and gas Businesses.

"Previously, foreign participation was limited to production-sharing contracts. Now, we are including other models, such as oil concessions, since there are investors who prefer that approach. We therefore view these as incentives -- measures that help attract more investment. Opportunities are also open to domestic investors," he said. The decree is part of Cuba's economic reform to cope with pressure from the prolonged U.S. embargo, which features comprehensive economic, financial and trade restrictions and has been intensified this year by a de facto fuel and oil blockade targeting shipments to the country.

Cuba issues new oil, gas decree to increase output amid energy crisis