Qin Gang attended the reception to celebrate "Africa Day"

Beijing, 5 May (ZXS) -- On 26 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended a reception in Beijing to celebrate "Africa Day" and delivered a speech. Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeck, Democratic Republic of the Congo Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Lutundura and African envoys to China attended the meeting.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Qin Gang congratulated the Organization of African Unity on its 60th anniversary. Qin Gang said: The establishment of the Organization of African Unity is an epoch-making event in the history of African development, opening a new chapter in the joint self-improvement and common development of African countries. In the new century, the African Union has taken up the baton of history and led African countries to stride forward on the road of development and revitalization. Over the past 60 years, China and Africa have been in solidarity and helping each other. No matter how the international situation changes, China has always stood with Africa through thick and thin. Especially in the past decade, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping's policy concept of true affinity and sincerity towards Africa and the correct concept of righteousness and benefit, the development of China-Africa relations has pressed the "accelerator button", entered the "fast lane", and entered a new era of building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. China-Africa friendly exchanges have become closer, and the leaders of the two sides often come and go like relatives; Mutually beneficial cooperation has deepened, bringing more and more benefits to the people of both sides; International cooperation has become more powerful and has become an important force for safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Qin Gang said that at present, China and Africa are standing at a new historical starting point and are ushering in new important opportunities. As more than 14.<> billion people move into a modern society in a peaceful and developmental way, China will surely bring stronger momentum and broader opportunities for economic growth in Africa and the world. As the largest developing country in the world today and the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries, China and Africa need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever. The closer the relationship between China and Africa, the more secure world peace will be; The more successful China-Africa cooperation is, the more promising the world will be. Qin Gang put forward a five-point proposal on further deepening China-Africa cooperation.

First, firmly safeguard each other's legitimate rights and interests, and further strengthen mutual support on issues involving each other's sovereignty, development and dignity. The second is to actively promote the cause of modernization with different characteristics, promote synergy between the "Belt and Road" and President Xi Jinping's global development initiative, the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the development strategies of African countries, and help Africa accelerate industrialization, localization and economic diversification. The third is to jointly promote the reform of the global governance system, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and continuously gather the majestic strength of the vast number of developing countries for unity and revitalization. The fourth is to strive to achieve common security, work together to implement the global security initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, "cool down" African and global hotspot issues, and work together to address non-traditional security challenges. Optimize UN operations to promote stability and stability in Africa, and enhance Africa's counter-terrorism and stability maintenance capabilities. Fifth, further strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, accelerate the implementation of the global civilization initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in Africa, and make the flower of Chinese and African civilization bloom more brilliantly and colorfully.

Demaker and Lutondura said that this year coincides with the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's "Belt and Road" initiative, and the joint celebration of "Africa Day" by Africa and China is of special historical significance. Africa and China have forged profound friendship in the common struggle for national liberation and independence, and unity and mutual trust have become the cornerstone of the Africa-China partnership. China has made important contributions to Africa's development and has become the most important partner in Africa's integration construction. The African side is firmly committed to Africa-China friendship and is willing to jointly carry forward the spirit of Africa-China partnership, accelerate their respective development and revitalization, and work together to build a community with a shared future between Africa and China and a community with a shared future for mankind.

Mbana, head of the African mission to China and Cameroonian ambassador to China, expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his concern and support for Africa's development and for putting forward a series of China-Africa cooperation initiatives, which injected strong impetus into the high-quality Africa-China comprehensive strategic partnership. Africa and China have always been equal, mutually beneficial, mutually respectful, and jointly committed to peace and development. Osman, representative of the African Union in China, read a written speech by African Union Chairman Faki, and Maulana, rotating chair of the African Union and Ambassador of Comoros to China, delivered speeches respectively, expressing their expectations for continuing to strengthen Africa-China unity, adhere to multilateralism and jointly cope with challenges.

Before the reception, Qin Gang and the guests visited the photo exhibition on the theme of "China-Africa Cooperation in the New Era".

On May 1963, 5, the African Union's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, was established, and 25 May was designated as Africa Day. The reception was jointly organized by the Chinese side and the African Embassy in China. (End)