Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday held talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit.

Noting the profound traditional friendship between China and Zimbabwe, Xi said that consolidating and deepening the two countries' ironclad friendship aligns with the common expectations of the two peoples.

He proposed establishing a "five-star ironclad" cooperation framework underpinned by five key areas: politics, economy and trade, security, culture, and international coordination.

Xi urged joint efforts to build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future.

China supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests and opposes external interference and illegal sanctions, Xi said.

China stands ready to expand cooperation with Zimbabwe in investment, trade, infrastructure, mineral resources, clean energy and digital economy, and provide scholarships for outstanding Zimbabwean students to study in China, he added.

Congratulating Zimbabwe on becoming the rotating chair of the Southern African Development Community, Xi said China is willing to step up coordination with Zimbabwe to safeguard international fairness and justice.

China firmly supports Africa in becoming an important pole in world political, economic and civilization development, Xi said.

Mnangagwa expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with China on state and party governance, and deepen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, new energy, and other fields.

Zimbabwe thanks China for speaking up for it on the international stage, Mnangagwa said, adding that Zimbabwe will remain China's steadfast and close friend in southern Africa.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, avocado export to China, and news media. The two sides also released a joint statement on enhancing bilateral ties.

Before the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Mnangagwa at the Great Hall of the People.