China and Republic of the Congo Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen China-Africa Cooperation
Brazzaville, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following his meeting with Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, highlighted the critical role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in advancing the development of Africa and improving the livelihoods of its people.
During an interview on Tuesday, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that FOCAC has become a symbol of China-Africa solidarity, South-South cooperation, and international collaboration with Africa.
Over the past 25 years since the establishment of FOCAC, Wang noted that China has contributed significantly to Africa’s infrastructure development, including over 100,000 km of roads, more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports. Additionally, China has created over 1 million jobs in Africa over the past three years and launched numerous initiatives focused on food security, water supply, and education.
Wang outlined the plans for furthering the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, which include three key objectives:
- Advancing modernization through mutual development strategies, strengthening governance exchanges, and broadening China-Africa relations.
- Enriching the “spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation” to set an example for international relations and contribute to the development of a community with a shared future for mankind.
- Focusing on the implementation of ten partnership actions for modernization, including zero-tariff treatment on goods, enhanced connectivity, and the creation of over 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects.
The Foreign Minister also mentioned the development of a roadmap for FOCAC’s growth over the next three years, with a focus on accelerating implementation in 2024 and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations in 2025. A ministerial-level meeting this year will help coordinate the summit’s outcomes, while in 2027, preparations for the 10th ministerial conference will help ensure the full realization of summit commitments.
Wang reiterated China’s readiness to continue working with African countries to elevate FOCAC’s influence and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
