Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 5 (XINHUA)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 5 met with Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani after the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties, Xi said China stands ready to work with Morocco to promote the strategic partnership to achieve new and greater development.

Xi said China will continue to give firm support to Morocco in its efforts to maintain stability and achieve economic and social development.

China considers Morocco as an important partner in the building of the Belt and Road, said Xi.

He called on the two countries to strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, so as to safeguard the common interests of the two countries as well as other developing countries.

El Othmani said Morocco appreciates China's commitment to the world's peace and stability as well as the well-being of the people of all countries. He congratulated China on the success of the Beijing summit, which he said is very important for the future of Africa.

The speech made by President Xi at the summit, which is extremely important and pragmatic, has caused great responses in Africa and will strongly promote the development of Africa as well as Africa-China cooperation, the Prime Minister said.

Morocco supports the Africa-China cooperation initiatives proposed by the Chinese side, and appreciates China's long-term assistance and support, said El Othmani, adding that Morocco firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2018)