Chinese Foreign Policy: President Xi: Friendship and cooperation between Africa and China

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Since he took office, Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited Africa three times. As CGTN's Chuck Tinte explains, each trip was designed to bring the two sides closer together.

When Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, he chose Africa for his first international visit where he made stops in Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo.

Having held talks with 40 African leaders in China since then, he believes the two sides have many common values and aspirations.

Xi said: "Friendship and cooperation between the two peoples have become symbols of China-Africa relations, and are well received by the international community."

"These are all solid steps and we have always worked with one heart and one mind, and shared the good and the bad in the process."

On his second trip, President Xi was back in South Africa once again for the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation. This was when he announced a 60-billion dollars development aid package, which would cover 10 different areas.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "Independent and sustainable development brings more opportunities and vast prospects. China will closely bind its own development with that of Africa's, to strive for common development for both sides. No matter what era, or what changes in societal development, China and Africa's understanding of each other, and their desire to make progress together, will not change."

In 2016, President Xi traveled to Cairo, looking to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

And a year later, a host of African leaders visited the Chinese capital, Beijing to attend the "Belt and Road" Forum for International Cooperation.