BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed al-Menfi on Wednesday announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

Menfi is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China has a traditional friendship with Libya, and China's stance of supporting Libya's stable development and boosting friendly bilateral cooperation will not change no matter how the situation evolves, Xi said.

Xi said China supports Libya in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and finding a path for peace, stability and prosperity through dialogue and consultation.