China-Africa Ties: First China-Africa Defense & Security Forum kicks off

World
Europe

02:12

The first ever China-Africa Defense & Security Forum has opened in Beijing. Senior participants from China and 50 African countries are on hand, along with African Union members. The two-week-long forum will have various discussions on cooperation between China and Africa in defense and security. Our reporter Zheng Yibing has more.

It's the first forum gathering opinions and sharing experiences for Sino-African defense and security cooperation.

HU CHANGMING CHIEF, OFFICE FOR INT'L MILITARY COOPERATION AT CHINESE CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION "With the theme of 'work together, and assist each other', we believe that every one of you will offer advice and suggestions for China-Africa cooperation in defense and security, and for building a community with a shared future among us."

The two-week-long session focuses on issues such as regional security, constructing African countries' national defense safety, and China-Africa military cooperation.

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

BRIMA SESAY LT. GENERAL, SIERRA LEONE "This forum will create an avenue for us 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.

AHMED SIDI COL, COMOROS "Our 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.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "The forum is expected to become an important platform for China and Africa to seek peace, development and cooperation, and contribute to peace and stability in Africa and the world at large. Zheng Yibing CGTN, Beijing."