JOHANNESBURG - China welcomes Djibouti's participation in developing Beijing-proposed 21st-century Maritime Silk Road in proper ways, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks at a meeting with his Djibouti counterpart, Ismail Omar Guelleh, prior to a summit on China-Africa cooperation in Johannesburg slated for Friday and Saturday.

China stands ready to promote pragmatic cooperation with Djibouti in various areas and jointly set a good example for developing countries seeking win-win cooperation and common progress, Xi noted.

The Chinese leader suggested the two sides strengthen political mutual trust, keep close friendly exchanges in various levels, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in logistics, trade, special economic zones, railways, ports and other fields.

The Chinese side welcomes Djibouti's participation in developing the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road in proper ways, stated Xi.

For his part, Guelleh said his country is willing to take part in the development of China's Belt and Road Initiative, adding Djibouti stands ready to cement cooperation with China in sectors including road construction, information technology and telecommunications.

Speaking highly of China's development of ties with Africa under the principles of mutual respect, equity and mutual benefit, he also expressed appreciation to the Chinese side for its strong support to African countries including Djibouti in developing infrastructure, regional integration and other areas.