China steps up ties with Equatorial Guinea

China and Equatorial Guinea took their 45-year relationship to a new level by signing agreements covering diplomacy, education, trade, aviation and financing in Beijing on Tuesday.

The countries should link industries and strengthen industrial cooperation, President Xi Jinping told Equatorial Guinea opposite number Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo during a meeting before they oversaw the signing.

China encourages high-quality industries to enter the African nation, and wants to help build and improve infrastructure, Xi said at the Great Hall of the People.

China is willing to see greater cooperation with Equatorial Guinea in areas including education, culture, medical service, sports and media, Xi added.

Obiang said his visit aimed to deepen the relationship in various sectors and exchanges in different levels.

Equatorial Guinea expects China to play a bigger role in international affairs, he added.

Obiang is on a state visit to China until Saturday, accompanied by several ministers.

He is scheduled to attend the opening of the Equatorial Guinea-Asia Economic Forum in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Thursday.

China is the third largest trading partner of Equatorial Guinea, a country on the west coast of Africa, with two-way trade reaching $3.58 billion last year.