Attendees of the ministerial conference also discussed agenda items to be presented to the Heads of State during the actual FOCAC summit, which will take place on Friday and Saturday. (Photo : REUTERS)
During the ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Pretoria, South Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to boost Sino-African relations.
"China and Africa have deepened strategic mutual trust and traditional friendship," said Wang in front of African foreign ministers. "The frequent political exchanges and dialogue between the two sides have provided further guidance for China-Africa cooperation."
China and African countries have already cooperated in various sectors, including trade, security, health, agriculture, technology transfer, and people-to-people exchanges, according to Wang.
Attendees of the ministerial conference also discussed agenda items to be presented to the Heads of State during the actual FOCAC summit, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5. The summit will be chaired by Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma.
Wang mentioned the resolutions adopted in the previous FOCAC summits and their success.
"Thanks to our joint efforts in the past three years and more, solid progress has been made in follow-up actions in the five key areas adopted at the 5th ministerial conference in Beijing," the foreign minister said.
The Chinese government's focus to increase socio-economic progress in Africa through various areas like finance and investment was also highlighted.
The upcoming FOCAC summit is an avenue where China and several African states can discuss viable strategies that will boost the continent's development.
"FOCAC provides an important platform for practical dialogue; it is a model for South-South cooperation. Our goal is to help African people realize development and prosperity," said Wang.
Aside from key areas like people-to-people exchanges and technology transfer, Sino-African goals have evolved over the years to include environmental protection and wildlife preservation.
