Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended congratulations to Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, following his victory in the country’s recent presidential election, according to reports from Chinese state media.
The message came a day after Guinea’s Supreme Court officially confirmed the election outcome, in which Doumbouya secured an overwhelming 86.72 percent of the votes cast in the December 28 poll. The election notably proceeded without several prominent opposition figures on the ballot.
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, reported that President Xi sent a formal congratulatory note to Doumbouya on Sunday, emphasising the long-standing diplomatic ties between Beijing and Conakry.
In his message, Xi highlighted the principles guiding relations between the two countries, noting that China and Guinea have consistently upheld mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits in their cooperation.
The Chinese leader also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, stating his readiness to work closely with Doumbouya to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between both nations.
Guinea, a West African country with a population exceeding 14 million, has been under Doumbouya’s leadership since he seized power in a military takeover in 2021. Despite its economic challenges, the country is richly endowed with natural resources.
Guinea holds some of the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, a critical raw material used in aluminium production.
Chinese trade data shows that between January and November last year, Guinea accounted for approximately 76 percent of China’s bauxite and aluminium ore imports, valued at about 105 billion yuan (roughly $15.1 billion).
In addition, Chinese firms play a key role in Guinea’s massive Simandou mining project, a development expected to position the country as one of the world’s leading exporters of iron ore.