Joint Defense & Security Forum: Representatives from China, Africa conclude two-week session in Beijing

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02:34

The first ever China-Africa Defense & Security Forum has concluded in Beijing. The two-week session ran under the theme "Work together and assist each other" and the attendees were asked to look at how a safer world could enable China's vision for a global community with a shared future. Our reporter Zheng Yibing has the details.

China and Africa have concluded their first official forum on defense and security cooperation. Over the past two weeks, senior military personnel from a host of African countries were brought on relevant field trips across China, giving them a chance to compare notes.

WEI FENGHE CHINESE NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER "China and Africa's countries are developing nations. It's truly fair to say that we are for a community of shared future."

And now they are finding even more common ground.

IBRAHIMA DAHIROU DEMBELE MAJOR GENERAL FROM MALI "This forum has significantly changed our perspective on China. We are close to China, both culturally and historically, and in facing challenges. We believe that this forum strengthens the solidarity between China and Africa."

China says it now has massive global responsibilities, and it will continue its efforts in this regard in Africa, especially in areas such as peacekeeping, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and escort missions. And all of this will be done in coordination with Africa's wishes.

MASANNEH NYUKU KINTEH LT. GENERAL FROM GAMBIA "What we require from China, which is made very clear, is for them to provide with partnership, with support, with expertise, technical capability, with capacity building, with infrastructure for us to do the job ourselves."

GABRIEL JOK RIAK GENERAL FROM SOUTH SUDAN "Work closely side by side for the benefits of the whole world, and especially mutual benefits and mutual understanding."

This gathering is just one of the preparatory events ahead of a much bigger affair in early September, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which will involve the leaders of the relevant countries.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "Participants hope the forum can continue in the years to come, as a platform to strengthen military exchanges and cooperation, inject impetus into the long-term development of Africa-China relations, and promote building a shared future for China and Africa. Zheng Yibing CGTN, Beijing."