The first-ever China-Africa Defense and Security Forum opened in Beijing on Tuesday. Senior participants from China and 50 African countries are on hand, along with African Union members. 

Themed with "Work together, and assist each other," the two-week-long session focuses on issues such as regional security, constructing African countries’ national defense safety, and China-Africa military cooperation.

Major General Hu Changming, chief of the Office for International Military Cooperation at the Central Military Commission, said he believes the forum will gather helpful advice and suggestions for China-Africa cooperation in defense and security, and for building a community with a shared future among them.

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Representatives affirmed China's roles in UN' peace-keeping missions in Africa, as well as disaster relief efforts there. Many also look to discuss future cooperation. 

Brima Sesay, Lt. General of from Sierra Leone said that this forum will create an avenue for participants to interact with each other, and share common ideas in solving the security problems in African continent, in collaboration with China.

Event participants will hold group discussions and take field visits to the Chinese People's Liberation Army units. Expectations are high. 

CGTN Photo

Ahmed Sidi, Colonel from Comoros said that their expectation for this forum is to strengthen China-Africa defense cooperation so as to benefit the people of China and Africa.

The gathering is just one item on a busy agenda ahead of this year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. That's scheduled for September in Beijing, and will focus more on strengthening overall ties between China and Africa. 

The forum is expected to become an important platform for China and Africa to seek peace, development and cooperation as well as contribute to stability in Africa and the world at large.