Representatives from China, 53 African nations, and the African Union Commission assembled in Changsha on Wednesday to promote the full implementation of the outcomes agreed upon at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
At the opening ceremony of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Congolese counterpart, Jean-Claude Gakosso, delivered congratulatory messages from their respective presidents. The Republic of the Congo currently holds the position of African co-chair of the FOCAC.
In his letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of China-Africa solidarity and collaboration. He also unveiled major initiatives to further open China and expand cooperation with Africa. Wang Yi said these measures provide strategic direction for both sides as they pursue joint modernization and aim to establish an enduring China-Africa community with a shared future.
Since its establishment 25 years ago, FOCAC has seen rapid growth, with China-Africa ties progressing significantly and entering their most prosperous phase. Wang noted that both parties have made concrete advancements in implementing the 10 modernization partnership initiatives announced during last September’s Beijing Summit.
Wang emphasized that China, the largest developing country, and Africa, home to the greatest concentration of developing nations, are emerging as crucial forces in the Global South.
Given the current global uncertainties and turmoil, Wang urged that it is more essential than ever for China and Africa to uphold solidarity and self-reliance. He called on both sides to maintain a stable and robust relationship to navigate global challenges.
He also advocated for the preservation of Global South unity, the defense of free trade, enhanced global development cooperation, the promotion of a fair international order, and respect for cultural diversity.
Wang asserted that the 21st century belongs to both Asia and Africa, and that the combined population of over 2.8 billion in China and Africa, working together, can achieve remarkable progress on the road to modernization.
Speaking on behalf of African nations, Gakosso expressed gratitude for China’s support in Africa’s development. He welcomed the 10 partnership initiatives and voiced support for the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, affirming Africa’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit in pursuit of a better life for its people.
Gakosso also criticized the misuse of tariffs and unilateral sanctions, affirming Africa’s solidarity with China in jointly addressing global challenges.
The meeting concluded with the release of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South.
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