A senior Chinese diplomat said in Beijing yesterday that China
and Africa are satisfied with the follow-up work of the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation, referring to work done to reduce debts,
encourage trade and promote talent.
"Delegates to the meeting appreciated China's efforts on
implementing the follow-up actions after the second ministerial
conference," said Xu Jinghu, secretary-general of the Secretariat
of the Chinese Follow-up Committee and director of the Foreign
Ministry's African Department.
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Xu made the remarks in the wake of the forum's 4th Senior Officials
Meeting, which was held in Beijing on August 22-23.
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China has carried out a series of measures such as reducing or
exempting some African countries' debts, granting duty-free status
for some African products and training 10,000 people.
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At the forum, the two sides agreed that China would host a summit
involving national leaders in Beijing next year, along with the
group's third ministerial meeting.
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The summit will provide a chance for leaders to exchange views on
relations and major issues of common concern, said Xu.
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"The summit to be held next year is a milestone in Sino-African
friendly cooperation and will bring an important influence to
maintaining and enhancing long-term stability, mutual benefit and a
cooperative partnership," Xu said.
(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2005)