China-Africa Summit Set for Autumn in Beijing, Announces Chinese FM
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Thursday that a new meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to take place in autumn in Beijing. The summit will bring together leaders from China and Africa to discuss future development, deepen cooperation, and engage in in-depth exchanges of governance experience.
Minister Wang emphasized that the FOCAC summit will serve as a platform to carry forward traditional friendship between China and Africa, fostering deeper solidarity and cooperation. The discussions aim to open new avenues for accelerating the common development of both China and Africa.
Addressing a question on China-Africa relations during a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the national legislature, Wang highlighted a unique tradition. Chinese foreign ministers have chosen Africa as the first destination in their annual overseas visits for the past 34 years. This tradition, Wang noted, underscores the deep bond between China and Africa, characterized by sincerity and a shared destiny.
“We have fought shoulder to shoulder against imperialism and colonialism. We have supported each other in pursuit of development. We have always stood for justice in a changing international landscape,” Wang stated, emphasizing the historical cooperation between China and Africa.
China-Africa relations have entered a fast track in building the China-Africa community with a shared future, with China remaining Africa’s biggest trading partner for 15 years. Minister Wang expressed that China-Africa cooperation has grown larger, and the people-to-people bond has been further enhanced.
As African countries recognize the importance of exploring a development path suited to their national conditions, Wang assured that China will continue to stand firmly with Africa. China is committed to supporting an Africa that is truly independent in thinking and ideas, building capacity for self-driven development, and facilitating faster modernization on the continent.
Wang concluded by emphasizing that China has consistently advocated against the marginalization of Africa. He called upon all parties to increase attention to Africa and contribute tangibly to support the continent’s development.
