Beijing, 5 September 2024 (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday praised the robust China-Africa relationship as a “stellar example” of international cooperation, as China hosted African leaders for a summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
President Xi, along with First Lady Peng Liyuan, welcomed delegates at a banquet in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Highlighting the deep-rooted traditional friendship between China and Africa, Xi said, “The China-Africa community with a shared future remains strong and continues to grow through generations, no matter how the world changes.”
The 2024 FOCAC Summit, which began on Wednesday and runs for three days, is themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
It is the largest diplomatic event China has hosted in recent years, with the highest number of foreign leaders in attendance.
President Xi underscored the importance of the China-Africa community’s commitment to mutual benefit, stating that FOCAC, established 24 years ago, has enabled the construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones across Africa.
“These projects have transformed the lives and destinies of countless people,” he noted.
Xi emphasized that the China-Africa relationship evolves with the times, reflecting the two sides’ close coordination on major international and regional issues, and strengthening the voice of the Global South.
He expressed confidence that the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, united in purpose, will achieve new milestones in modernization and make significant contributions to a global community with a shared future.
Xi Meets African Leaders
Earlier in the day, President Xi held meetings with leaders from several African countries, including Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Libya, Gabon, and Cameroon.
Notably, China and Cameroon elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, while China and Libya announced the establishment of a strategic partnership.
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During the summit, Xi, along with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway.
Experts at the FOCAC Summit observed that China’s modernization model offers a valuable framework for Africa’s own modernization journey.
This model also provides a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation.
