Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov 23, 2017. (LI XUEREN / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Ismail Omar Guelleh on his re-election as president of the Republic of Djibouti.

Xi said China and Djibouti are important strategic partners. In recent years, the two sides have deepened their political mutual trust, achieved remarkable results in cooperation in various fields, and understood and supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns

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In his message, Xi said China and Djibouti are important strategic partners. In recent years, the two sides have deepened their political mutual trust, achieved remarkable results in cooperation in various fields, and understood and supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, he said.

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The two countries have joined hands in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, writing a new chapter of unity and friendship between China and Djibouti as well as between China and Africa, Xi said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Djibouti relations, and is ready to work together with President Guelleh to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, bringing benefits to the two countries and peoples.