China-Senegal relations enter new phase with renewed political, economic cooperation

China and Senegal have enhanced their bilateral relationship through renewed cooperation agreements.
High-level meetings focused on achieving outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Senegal affirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

During a high-level meeting in Beijing on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and commended the significant progress achieved by both nations since the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

"China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalization as well as good brothers. China is willing to work with Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation," President Xi said.

Sonko, who had earlier attended the World Economic Forum’s 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, known as the Summer Davos, in Tianjin, extolled the strong historical ties between the two countries and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and shared values.

“The relations between our two countries go back a very long time; they are solid and based on common values shared by the Global South,” he said, adding that China respects Senegal’s sovereignty and development path.

Prime Minister Sonko commended the initiative describing China as a “reliable partner,” while reaffirming his country’s commitment to the one-China principle. XINHUA

President Xi, however, called for deeper and swift implementation of the outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and promised a more comprehensive Chinese investment in Senegal, particularly in energy, digital infrastructure, and trade.

With a shared vision for the future, He also highlighted the upcoming China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges as a new opportunity to boost cooperation in education, tourism, youth engagement, and cultural initiatives.

China - Senegal's reliable partner in progress

Prime Minister Sonko commended the initiative; he described China as a “reliable partner,” and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the one-China principle. He further expressed enthusiasm for advancing cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative and other bilateral agreements.

“Senegal is committed to firmly working as China's strategic partner to jointly promote international fairness and justice,” Sonko added.

Both leaders stressed the importance of defending multipolarity and strengthening South-South partnerships.

As Senegal continues to push for economic transformation, its alignment with the Asian giant signals a gradual shift among African nations seeking development partnerships rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

The meeting reflects China’s ambitious commitment towards expanding its influence in Africa through high-level diplomacy and strategic investment.

Olamilekan Okebiorun