馃嚚馃嚠C么te d'IvoireWest Africa
China reaffirms commitment to peace and security cooperation with C么te d'Ivoire on 99th anniversary of People's Liberation Army
via Abidjan.net10 min read
The Chinese Embassy in C么te d'Ivoire hosted an official reception on July 22, 2026, in Abidjan, to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army PLA. The event brought together Ivorian military authorities, diplomats, and other guests to discuss strengthening Sino-Ivorian relations in defense and security. Chinese Ambassador to C么te d'Ivoire, Wu Jie, highlighted the PLA's transformation into a modern army dedicated to national sovereignty and international stability since its creation in 1927 under the Communist Party of China. He emphasized China's role as a global peace partner, development contributor, and defender of international order, noting the Chinese army's active participation in international security cooperation. Ambassador Wu also mentioned the 70th anniversary of Sino-African diplomatic relations in 2026 and Beijing's new initiatives for the continent, including zero customs tariffs for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, effective May 1. He expressed confidence that aligning China's 15th Five-Year Plan with C么te d'Ivoire's National Development Plan PND 2026-2030 will expand bilateral cooperation. Colonel-Major Yan Lei, Defense Attach茅 at the Chinese Embassy, underscored the strategic importance of a strong army for national development, echoing Chinese President Xi Jinping's view that "only a strong army can guarantee the security of the country." He cited the PLA's contributions to UN peacekeeping ope
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Abidjan.net.
Must ReadDr. Coumba B芒, Mauritania's candidate for the International Organization of La Francophonie OIF chancellery, has embarked on a strategic diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia. Ahead of the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the former minister and diplomat visited Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. This initiative aims to broaden the Francophonie's appeal beyond African or regional contexts, emphasizing its universal and multipolar nature. In Cambodia, the Mauritanian delegation advocated for a more unified Francophonie that supports member states during crises and promotes cultural heritage in the digital age. In Vietnam, discussions focused on talent mobility, scientific cooperation, and technological innovation, positioning Hanoi as a key hub in the Asian Francophone space. In Laos, Dr. Coumba B芒 highlighted the importance of recognizing Francophone Asia as a region of future growth, not a peripheral area. Her campaign emphasizes Mauritania's historical doctrine of constructive neutrality and non-alignment, positioning the country as a bridge between the Maghreb, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Arab world. The campaign team stresses that the Phnom Penh Summit should foster unity within the Francophonie, rather than becoming a platform for geopolitical confrontation. Mauritania plans to intensify its diplomacy through dialogue, results-oriented approaches, and inclusive consultation leading up to the final vote for the Secretary-General's renewal.
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