Story by Jonathan Marerwa in Beijing
China says next month’s China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) summit to be attended by African leaders in Beijing will further deepen relations between the two blocs.
The Chinese vice minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong, said this while addressing the media this Friday.
Vice minister Chen revealed that the summit, to be held from 4 to 6 September, will renew friendship between China and the African continent which dates back to the 1960s when most African nations where fighting for self determination adding it will also help in charting the way forward in the co-operation.
He said Chinese leader, Cde Xi Jingping, places great importance in his country’s relationship with Africa as evidenced by the fact that upon becoming president in 2013, his first visit outside China was to Africa and has since been to the continent on five times.
Vice minister Chen added that the FOCAC summits have over the years helped in building a high level of a shared vision and future, with the one next month being no different.
