Gabon's president explains why African countries choose to work with China

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"We, as Africans, are particularly satisfied with the development of relations with the People's Republic of China," Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba said in an interview with CGTN, expounding on his views of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and what it means for African countries.

President Bongo said that it is important for the two sides to discuss the concept of cooperation and to exchange new ideas.

"This summit now is an opportunity for countries such as Gabon to meet directly with the developers and businessmen," he noted.

Gabon greatly appreciates the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, because it will allow African countries to accelerate the process of development in their countries, including the fund which was set up in 2014, Bongo said.

"Today, African countries have a choice. They have the choice of partners with whom they will work. And the relationship we have with China is very important. It is a free choice, and in the spirit of mutual benefit," he stressed.

President Bongo is in China for a state visit and to attend the 2018 Beijing Summit of the FOCAC.