Beninese president visits southwest China

President Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin visited southwest China's Guizhou Province on Friday to learn about daily village life and agriculture.

Yayi arrived in China's capital, Beijing, on August 27 at the start of a seven-day state visit as guest of President Hu Jintao. He visited east China's Zhejiang Province before arriving here on Thursday.

During his stay in drought-hit Lucheba Village, Yayi showed his interest in irrigation and the application of marsh gas.

"The Chinese farmers' courage in withstanding natural disaster and their self-reliant spirit in developing agricultural production inspires us," Yayi told acting governor of Guizhou Lin Shusen, adding he would urge the Beninese people to learn from China.

China and Benin resumed diplomatic ties in 1972. This is Yayi's first China tour since he took office in April.

Source: Xinhua