03:57Special representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs Liu Yuxi said that ties with Africa were a 'long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice' during the opening remarks ahead of the Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC), in Beijing on Tuesday.
"Developing solidarity and co-operation with African countries is our long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice. China and Africa have established diplomatic relations for nearly 70 years. Over the past 70 years, we have always supported each other in the struggle for national independence. We have always supported each other in the journey of national construction and economic development, and we have forged an unbreakable brotherly friendship," he said.
He added that last year, bilateral trade had hit a 'historic high' of $282.1 billion.
"China has been Africa's largest trading partner and the largest export destination for Africa for 15 consecutive years. Currently, China's investment stock in Africa exceeds US $40 billion," Liu stated.
The FOCAC meeting is expected to bring together at least 1,000 delegates, according to the Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhang Shaogang.
"All parties in China and Africa have actively registered to participate in the conference, and the number of registrations has far exceeded expectations. Currently, there are 382 Chinese entrepreneur representatives and 408 African entrepreneur representatives who have registered to participate."
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4-6. This is the second time that Chinese and African leaders have met in China following the 2018 event.
The opening ceremony is set to be held at the Great Hall of the People on September 5 with President Xi Jinping attending to deliver a speech on trade and co-operation.
'Solidarity and co-operation' with Africa is 'long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice' - Chinese rep gives opening remarks ahead of FOCAC summit
Special representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs Liu Yuxi said that ties with Africa were a 'long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice' during the opening remarks ahead of the Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC), in Beijing on Tuesday.
"Developing solidarity and co-operation with African countries is our long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice. China and Africa have established diplomatic relations for nearly 70 years. Over the past 70 years, we have always supported each other in the struggle for national independence. We have always supported each other in the journey of national construction and economic development, and we have forged an unbreakable brotherly friendship," he said.
He added that last year, bilateral trade had hit a 'historic high' of $282.1 billion.
"China has been Africa's largest trading partner and the largest export destination for Africa for 15 consecutive years. Currently, China's investment stock in Africa exceeds US $40 billion," Liu stated.
The FOCAC meeting is expected to bring together at least 1,000 delegates, according to the Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhang Shaogang.
"All parties in China and Africa have actively registered to participate in the conference, and the number of registrations has far exceeded expectations. Currently, there are 382 Chinese entrepreneur representatives and 408 African entrepreneur representatives who have registered to participate."
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4-6. This is the second time that Chinese and African leaders have met in China following the 2018 event.
The opening ceremony is set to be held at the Great Hall of the People on September 5 with President Xi Jinping attending to deliver a speech on trade and co-operation.
Special representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs Liu Yuxi said that ties with Africa were a 'long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice' during the opening remarks ahead of the Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC), in Beijing on Tuesday.
"Developing solidarity and co-operation with African countries is our long-term, firm, strategic and historical choice. China and Africa have established diplomatic relations for nearly 70 years. Over the past 70 years, we have always supported each other in the struggle for national independence. We have always supported each other in the journey of national construction and economic development, and we have forged an unbreakable brotherly friendship," he said.
He added that last year, bilateral trade had hit a 'historic high' of $282.1 billion.
"China has been Africa's largest trading partner and the largest export destination for Africa for 15 consecutive years. Currently, China's investment stock in Africa exceeds US $40 billion," Liu stated.
The FOCAC meeting is expected to bring together at least 1,000 delegates, according to the Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhang Shaogang.
"All parties in China and Africa have actively registered to participate in the conference, and the number of registrations has far exceeded expectations. Currently, there are 382 Chinese entrepreneur representatives and 408 African entrepreneur representatives who have registered to participate."
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4-6. This is the second time that Chinese and African leaders have met in China following the 2018 event.
The opening ceremony is set to be held at the Great Hall of the People on September 5 with President Xi Jinping attending to deliver a speech on trade and co-operation.