The Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation
(FOCAC) is a landmark in the history of friendship between China
and Africa, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Monday.
The summit, to be held from November 3 to 5, is focused on
"Friendship, Peace, Cooperation and Development". Both Chinese and
African leaders will review the achievements of bilateral friendly
cooperation over the past 50 years and the progress made since
FOCAC's establishment six years ago.
"A key focus of the summit is to upgrade the mutually beneficial
cooperation between China and Africa and inject new vigor into
their friendship," said Tang.
China will announce important proposals and initiatives during
the summit on strengthening relations with Africa, as well as
specific measures to help boost the development of specific African
countries, he said.
Leaders from China and Africa will also renew strategic
partnership between China and Africa, map out the future for
sustaining bilateral cooperation and exchange views on major
regional and international issues, Tang added.
Founded by China and Africa in 2000, the FOCAC has become an
effective mechanism and important platform for enhancing
China-Africa collective dialogue and cooperation in practical terms
in the new era. "The successful convocation of the summit will
enhance the friendship between the Chinese and African leaders, and
promote the comprehensive growth of China-Africa friendship in
greater depth and width and lift them to a higher level, "said
Tang.
"It also will enhance solidarity of developing countries and
South-South cooperation and contribute to the glorious cause of
global peace and development," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2006)