President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea arrived in Beijing on Monday for a state visit to China, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks Obiang’s 11th visit to China, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
During his six-day visit, Obiang will hold meetings with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji. The leaders are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between Equatorial Guinea and China, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, technical assistance, and economic diversification.
China has been a significant partner for Equatorial Guinea, providing support in various fields, including economic and technical assistance. The African nation has expressed its satisfaction with China’s support and is keen to diversify its economy, reducing its dependence on hydrocarbons. China, on the other hand, has been expanding its global influence through strategic partnerships and investments in Africa, with Equatorial Guinea being a key partner in the region.
The visit is expected to yield significant outcomes, with the two nations likely to sign agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development. China has already invested heavily in Equatorial Guinea, with projects such as the port of Bata on the Gulf of Guinea and the Djibloho Hydropower Plant, built or aided by Chinese enterprises, bringing tangible improvements to the local population.
The elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, announced by Presidents Xi and Obiang on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone in the relations between the two nations. As Obiang visits Shandong Province, one of China’s manufacturing powerhouses, the focus will be on exploring opportunities for economic cooperation and learning from China’s development experience. The visit is expected to further strengthen the bond between Equatorial Guinea and China, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual benefit.
