A primary school in southwest China's Yunnan Province, renewed with a donation from the president of Equatorial Guinea, exemplifies the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The school, established in 1918, was expanded in 2015 with a donation from Equatorial Guinea during President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's visit to China. After the renovation was completed in 2016, the school was renamed China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School.
During a recent visit to China in May, President Obiang and his wife participated in a virtual meeting with students at the school, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries.
"The building comprises 20 classrooms across five floors, with corridors decorated with signs in the shape of butterflies and silk-cotton trees. The butterflies symbolize the local Butterfly Valley, fostering students' love for their hometown and country. The silk-cotton tree, featured on the Equatorial Guinea flag, signifies the lasting friendship between China and Equatorial Guinea," said Ran Hongyan, principal of the school.
For the students, the concept of "friendship" holds deep personal meaning with one student describing it as mutual care and trust between friends and the readiness to support each other through tough times.
The school now features modern facilities and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, art, model vehicles and drones. With over 2,000 students, it fosters both academic and personal growth, encouraging students to help promote the China-Equatorial Guinea friendship.
"When I grow up, I want to visit Equatorial Guinea to see our good friends," said one student.
China and Equatorial Guinea have maintained a close relationship for over fifty years, supporting each other through various challenges. Chinese medical teams have contributed to local healthcare, and practical cooperation in infrastructure and technical assistance has benefited both countries.
China-Equatorial Guinea friendship school symbolizes lasting relationship
