Beijing, 20 August 2022 (TDI): State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, attended a meeting reviewing the progress made in China and Africa cooperation.
He stated that China will waive the 23 interest-free loans for 17 African countries that had matured by the end of 2021.
#China will waive the 23 interest-free loans for 17 #African countries that had matured by the end of 2021, said FM #WangYi Thursday at a meeting reviewing the progress made in China-Africa cooperation. pic.twitter.com/iNrwYH6QDj
— libijian李碧建 (@libijian2) August 19, 2022
Wang Yi proposed building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. The 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) took place in November of last year.
At that conference, China announced that it would implement nine programs in collaboration with other African nations. This announcement showed China’s continued commitment to Africa and the ongoing momentum of China-Africa cooperation.
Thursday’s coordinators’ meeting was conducted virtually on the implementation of the outcomes of the 8th Ministerial Conference.
With the utmost sincerity, Wang said, China and Africa have collaborated to uphold international fairness and justice.
China advanced infrastructure development to support Africa’s industrialization drive. Moreover, the two sides jointly address the world food crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Africa and China pursue sustainable development through clean energy cooperation and climate change response and advance regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, Wang stated that China and Africa should work together more closely to achieve shared growth and revitalization. Both sides sincerely establish a China-Africa community with a shared destiny in the new century.
Five-point proposal by the Chinese Foreign Minister
Chinese Foreign Minister put forward a five-point proposal. First and foremost is that all parties should respect the values of truthfulness, verifiable outcomes, amity, and good faith, and build their bonds of unity and cooperation.
China is prepared to collaborate with African region. Moreover, China and Africa will jointly protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing nations. The two sides will advance the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and uphold real multilateralism.
Secondly, both parties must be dedicated to growing together. China will continue to actively participate in building Africa’s vital infrastructure. China will raise its imports and expands its industrial and agricultural sectors in Africa.
Thirdly, both parties must be dedicated to independence and should work together to advance regional peace.
China will keep advocating for African solutions to African problems, opposing foreign interference in domestic affairs, and also opposing tensions and confrontations in Africa.
Fourthly, both parties should support enduring friendships and encourage intercultural dialogue. China is prepared to overcome the pandemic’s challenges and facilitate the return of former African students.
China will help both sides’ youth, women, non-governmental groups, think tanks, and media to improve communication and collaboration.
Fifthly, to encourage the sound growth of international collaboration with Africa, both parties should uphold openness and win-win cooperation.
African side also showed commitment to the “one-China” principle and their unwavering support of China’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Moreover, according to African diplomats, the African side is eager to cooperate with China to advance the ongoing improvement of Africa-China cooperation and increase the creation of forum mechanisms.
Student of BS International Relations in Kinnaird College for Women. Currently, working in 'TDI' as a contributor.
