Visiting President Hu Jintao said in Pretoria Wednesday that
China will consolidate traditional friendship and expand practical
cooperation with Africa.
Hu, who is on a eight-nation African tour, made the statement in
a speech at the South Africa's prestigious University of
Pretoria.
Both China and Africa are important forces for peace and
development and to deepen their friendship is the shared desire of
both peoples, Hu said in his speech.
"China is the biggest developing country and Africa is the
continent with the largest number of developing countries." To
deepen China-Africa traditional friendship and develop a new
all-around strategic partnership in also the calling of the times,
he said.
The president listed four fields in which China is ready to make
joint efforts with Africa for boosting development.
China will forge friendship, maintain close political dialogue,
coordination and increase mutual understanding and trust with
Africa, Hu said. He added that China will remain actively involved
in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa.
On the economic front, he said China will deepen cooperation and
expand economic and technological exchanges to achieve mutual
benefit and win-win progress.
"The Chinese will fully implement the policy steps announced at
the Beijing Summit (of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) for
strengthening pragmatic cooperation with Africa and supporting its
development," Hu pledged.
The president said China will strengthen dialogue and exchanges
between the Chinese and African civilizations and make common
progress through mutual learning and enrichment.
He also urged both sides to treat each other as equals and
strengthen cooperation in international affairs to uphold the
legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Hu arrived in South Africa after concluding visits to Cameroon,
Liberia, Sudan, Zambia and Namibia. He will also visit Mozambique
and Seychelles.
(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2007)
