KARA, Togo - Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi arrived on Tuesday morning in Togo's northern city Kara, the second largest in the West African country, on a mission to further friendly and cooperative ties with Africa.

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Upon his arrival at Niamoutougou airport, Yang was welcomed by several ministers led by his Togolese counterpart Elliot Ohin and China's new ambassador to Togo, Wang Zuofeng.

In the airport's VIP lounge, Yang held cordial and friendly talks with Ohin.

In a written speech delivered at the airport, the Chinese top diplomat hailed the long history of Sino-Togolese friendship and cooperation.

Thanks to efforts by leaders of generations between the two countries, "The Sino-Togolese relations have always developed in a healthy and regular way," he said.

In recent years, notably since the visit to China by President Faure Gnassingbe in 2006, the development of bilateral ties has been accelerated, marked by mutual political trust and pragmatic cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture and infrastructure.

In international affairs, the two countries have increased their collaboration, the Chinese minister said.

Yang noted that in the new context where countries in the world are no longer completely detached from the international financial crisis, reinforcement of the Sino-Togolese relations not only corresponds to the fundamental interests of the two countries, but has great significance in promoting the Sino-African friendship, deepening the South-South cooperation and preserving the common interests of developing countries.

He said he was looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views with President Gnassingbe and Minister Ohin on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest.

The Chinese foreign minister said he was convinced that this visit will reinforce understanding, deepen traditional friendship, broaden cooperation and bring the Sino-Togolese relations of friendship and cooperation to a new level.

Well placed sources said Gnassingbe will meet with the Chinese minister at Pya, his birth place.

The Chinese and Togolese ministers are expected to sign economic and technical cooperation agreements during the visit.

Yang's African trip also includes Zimbabwe, Gabon, Guinea and Chad.