Full text of Chinese President Xi's signed article on Senegalese media

2018年7月20日，在对塞内加尔共和国进行国事访问前夕，国家主席习近平在塞内加尔《太阳报》发表题为《中国和塞内加尔团结一致》的署名文章。文章如下：

中国和塞内加尔团结一致

中华人民共和国主席 习近平

　　提起塞内加尔，人们马上会想到非洲足坛劲旅“特兰加雄狮”队，有世界最艰苦比赛之称的达喀尔汽车拉力赛。这里还是历史悠久、名人辈出的文化之邦。贵国开国总统桑戈尔就是著名诗人和作家，他1974年访华时，同毛泽东主席讨论过诗词，他的著作积极倡导“黑人传统精神”，提升了塞内加尔和非洲人民的民族自豪感和自信心。

Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 20 published a signed article titled "SUNU JAPPO, China and Senegal!" on mainstream Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil ahead of his state visit to the African country.

The following is the full text of the article:

SUNU JAPPO, China and Senegal!

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

When talking about Senegal, the Lions of Teranga, its national football team and one of the best in Africa, and the Dakar Rally, the world's toughest rally, are the first things that come to people's mind. Senegal is also a country with a time-honored history and rich culture and home to many famous names. Leopold Sedar Senghor, the founding President, was a renowned poet and writer. During his visit to China in 1974, he had a conversation with Chairman Mao Zedong about poem. His works, which champion Negritude, have inspired the people of Senegal and Africa with a strong sense of national pride and confidence.

　　近年来，在萨勒总统领导下，塞内加尔成为发展热土，正向“振兴塞内加尔计划”提出的宏伟目标迈进。我很高兴应萨勒总统邀请对塞内加尔进行国事访问。我期待通过这次访问，加深了解，增进友谊，深化合作，推动中塞关系得到更大发展。

　　中塞关系已经走过47个年头，其间，有过波折，走过弯路，但双方相互支持、友好合作是主流，两国人民的心始终相连。2005年中塞复交后，两国关系翻开新的一页。中方支持塞方走适合本国国情的发展道路，塞方在涉及中国核心利益问题上给予中方坚定支持。两国政治互信水平不断提升，互利合作成果实实在在，在重大国际和地区问题上保持密切协调。中塞关系实现了从长期友好合作伙伴关系到全面战略合作伙伴关系的跨越。

In recent years, under the leadership of President Macky Sall, Senegal has become a land of robust growth, striding proudly toward the ambitious goals set out in the Plan for an Emerging Senegal. I am looking forward to my upcoming state visit to the country at the invitation of President Sall, an opportunity to enhance our mutual understanding and friendship, deepen cooperation and advance China-Senegal relations.

China-Senegal relations have traversed a journey of 47 years. Over the years, despite the ups and downs or even setbacks at times, the relationship is overwhelmingly defined by mutual support, friendly cooperation and affinity between our peoples. The restoration of diplomatic ties in 2005 opened up a new chapter in China-Senegal relations. China supports Senegal in choosing a development path in line with its national conditions and Senegal firmly supports China on issues concerning China's core interests. Our two countries now enjoy enhanced political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation that benefits both countries and close coordination on major international and regional issues. China-Senegal relationship has been elevated from a long-term friendly cooperative partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.