BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on Sunday ahead of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China-Mauritania relations are a fine example of China's relations with African and developing countries, Xi stressed.

China regards Mauritania as a sincere and reliable friend and partner, and appreciates the firm support that Mauritania always gives on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns, Xi said, adding that China will continue to support Mauritania's efforts in safeguarding stability and seeking development.

The two sides should regard the Belt and Road cooperation as a new starting point for innovating cooperation models, pushing collaboration in key areas including infrastructure, and strengthening the ability for Mauritania to achieve self-reliant development, Xi said.