Wang Yi: China-Africa friendship is unbreakable

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01:15

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday summarized his trip to four African countries in Senegal's capital Dakar, saying that the friendship between China and African countries is unbreakable.

Wang is in Africa on a visit to Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, the Gambia and Senegal that will last from January 2 to 6, continuing a 29-year tradition of making Africa the first international trip by a Chinese foreign minister in a new year.

"Recently some countries deliberately smeared China-Africa cooperation," said Wang. "The governments and people of African countries are not bewildered and they have stood up to break the rumors and firmly adhered to the friendly policy toward China."

Wang said the leaders of the four African countries appreciated China's cooperation with Africa and thanked China for its support for the development of African countries and the improvement of people's livelihood.

Adherence to multilateralism becomes a common voice

Speaking of rising unilateralism, Wang said adherence to multilateralism has become a common voice. "African countries have great expectation on China's role in defending multilateralism. The four countries are willing to strengthen coordination with China and jointly defend the rules of multilateralism and jointly promote the democratization of international relations."

Africa has growing enthusiasm for BRI

Wang said his feeling from this Africa trip is that African countries have growing enthusiasm for the Belt and Road Initiative.

"A large number of China's key projects in Africa have brought tangible benefits to local people. With the alignment of BRI with African Union's '2063 Agenda' and the development strategies of all countries, BRI is expected to launch cooperation with higher quality and higher level on the African continent," Wang noted.

The one-China principle has been consolidated in Africa

Another point is that the one-China principle has been consolidated in Africa, Wang added.

Among the four countries that Wang has visited, Burkina Faso and the Gambia have resumed diplomatic ties with China not long ago. "The leaders of the two countries said that the resuming of diplomatic ties with China is an independent choice and a correct decision, which has been supported by the people and is in line with their national interests," he said.

The two countries will continue to unswervingly pursue the one-China principle, and adhering to the principle has become a political consensus that all parties have followed in the African continent, Wang added.

China, Africa to boost cooperation in innovation

Senegalese President Macky Sall congratulated China on the successful landing of the country's second lunar rover, known as Yutu-2, on the far side of the moon when meeting with Wang. This major technological breakthrough has shown that China is taking the lead in the field of technological innovation, the president said, adding that China's African friends are proud of its achievement.

Sall indicated that all these African friends hope to strengthen cooperation with China in scientific and technological innovation.

China's achievements are also achievements of developing countries, Wang said, stressing that developing countries have the right and ability to achieve rapid development in the field of scientific and technological innovation. Wang also noted that China is willing to cooperate with African friends in this regard.

China, Senegal to jointly implement FOCAC results

China will join hands with Senegal to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership while promoting further strides of the Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC), Wang said Sunday during talks with his Senegalese counterpart Sidiki Kaba in Dakar.

He added that pragmatism and efficiency have been distinctive features and unique advantages of China-Africa cooperation.

Kaba reiterated Senegal's adherence to the one-China principle and vowed to closely work with China to co-chair the FOCAC.

Wang said the 2018 Beijing Summit of FOCAC has played an exemplary role in international cooperation with Africa, and both sides expressed determination to implement its fruitful results.

Wang stressed that the priority is to accelerate the building of a closer community with a shared future for mankind between China and Africa, especially in a world with rising unilateralism and uncertainties, Wang said.

Wang noted that the implementation of the Beijing summit results should be tailored to various national demands and in combination with China's capabilities. Meanwhile, China will continue to push forward the BRI as well as the AU's "2063 Agenda."

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Senegal's President Macky Sall in Dakar, Senegal, January 6, 2019. /MOFA)