China and Africa: Towards a shared future of hope
- By Wu Jin
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 4, 2018
China and Africa are poised to build even stronger ties following the ongoing Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which kicked off on Sept. 3.
In his opening remarks, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged another US$ 60 billion in funds to Africa and promised debt exemption for those of Africa's least developed countries, heavily indebted and poor countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
In his speech, Xi proposed cooperation based on mutual respect, saying China will neither interfere in the internal affairs of African countries, nor have any impositions towards them.
While addressing the forum, Xi proposed eight initiatives that will be launched to deepen cooperation, including industrial promotion initiative, green development initiative and health care initiative.
Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, addressed the forum after President Xi, saying China and Africa enjoy a rich history characterized by friendship, cooperation and solidarity.
He also said that the relationship forged between China and Africa through FOCAC is "premised on the fundamental and inalienable right of the African people to determine their own future."
