BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Monday hailed the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, saying it reflects the two sides' experience of sharing weal and woe and provides a source of strength for furthering China-Africa ties.

Xi made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation via video link.

The key to a close China-Africa relationship and a deep bond of friendship lies in the everlasting spirit, which features sincere friendship and equality, win-win for mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, and progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness, Xi said.