First China-Africa Defense & Security Forum concludes

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02:13

China and Africa have concluded their first forum for cooperation in defense and security.

Within two weeks, senior military participants from 50 African countries and organizations held discussions and conducted field visits to army units and factories in China.

All based on the same goals.

The first China-Africa Defense & Security Forum has concluded in Beijing with a consensus reached on promoting ties between the two sides. /CGTN photo

Wei Fenghe, Chinese national defense minister, said at the conclusion of the session that both China and African countries are developing countries, and it’s truly fair to say that they are for a community of shared future.

Now they find more common grounds.

“This forum has significantly changed our perspective on China. We are close to China, both culturally and historically, and in facing of the challenges. We believe that this forum strengthens the solidarity between China and Africa,” said Idrahima Dahirou Demebele, a major general from Mali.

Participants attend the first China-Africa Defense & Security Forum in Beijing. /CGTN photo

China's willingness to continue participating in peacekeeping, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and escort missions in partnership with African nations wins support from the participants.

Masanneh Sanneh Nyuku Kinteh, a lieutenant general from Gambia, said Africa hopes that China can provide with a partnership, support, expertise, technical capability, and infrastructure. And all these are for them to facing the security challenges themselves.

For Gabriel Jok Riak, a general from South Sudan, the ideal model is to work closely side by side for the benefits of the whole world, and especially the mutual benefits and mutual understanding.

The gathering is one item ahead of this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September in 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.