China News Agency, Paris, February 27 (Reporter Li Yang) French President Macron delivered a speech in Paris on the 27th local time to explain the relationship between France and Africa, saying that France plans to "significantly reduce" its military presence in Africa.

　　In his speech that day, Macron stated that France will significantly reduce the number of troops stationed in Africa. This change "will happen in the next few months", and France's African partners will have more presence in relevant bases.

　　Macron described the change as a "restructuring" rather than an "exit".

He said that although the scale of the French army in Africa will be reduced, it will continue to stay in Africa and will conduct more training and provide more equipment according to local needs.

　　Macron revealed that some French military bases will be turned into military training institutions, and some will become the bases of French local partners.

The reduction of French military personnel on the ground and the "Africanization" of those involved will be adapted locally, he said.

　　Recently, the relationship between France and African countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso has attracted the attention of the outside world.

The French military ended Operation Barchan in Mali last year.

Burkina Faso announced last month that it had terminated its military agreement with France and demanded the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country.

　　In addition, Macron mentioned in his speech that Africa has to face an "unprecedented situation in history", including challenges in the fields of security, climate change and population, and must provide African countries with a promising future.

He called for massive investments in education, health, employment, energy transition and more in Africa.

　　Macron also said France must help promote economic and business ties with Africa, and he expressed hope for cooperation between a new generation of French and African entrepreneurs.

He also said that France's role is not to solve "all the problems in Africa".

　　Macron will start a four-country trip in Africa this week. He will visit Gabon, Angola, Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa), and will attend the "One Forest" summit in Gabon.

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