Xi Jinping hosts banquet for leaders attending FOCAC summit
Updated 07:32, 07-Sep-2018
CGTN
["china"]
00:53
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet on Monday evening to welcome foreign leaders and their spouses who are in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with foreign leaders and their spouses, pose for a group photo before a welcoming banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with foreign leaders and their spouses, pose for a group photo before a welcoming banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"12 years ago, Chinese and African leaders gathered in Beijing to renew friendship and discuss cooperation," the Chinese president said.
He said, "Today, we are here again to reaffirm our original aspirations, carry forward our cause and forge ahead into the future." 
Foreign leaders and their spouses are greeted by young performers on their way to a welcoming banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Foreign leaders and their spouses are greeted by young performers on their way to a welcoming banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Over the past 12 years, China-Africa relations have been developing steadily and rapidly, with intensified exchanges at all levels and stronger cooperation in all fields, he noted.
China is willing to work with African countries to honor promises with actions and write history with solid work, so that Chinese and African peoples will live a happier life and China-Africa friendship will enjoy a more splendid future, he said. 
Chinese and foreign artists stage a Kung Fu performance after the banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese and foreign artists stage a Kung Fu performance after the banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

FOCAC is an important platform for South-South cooperation as well as multilateral cooperation, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who co-chaired the summit that opened on Monday. 
China is a reliable partner for African countries to realize the African Union Agenda 2063, said Ramaphosa, adding that the summit will definitely elevate the Africa-China relations to a new level.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency