Changsha, China – This week, ministers and coordinators from China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission gathered in Changsha to turbocharge the follow-up of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Their mission: turn summit commitments into real-world projects that boost modernization and strengthen Global South solidarity.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Republic of the Congo counterpart, Jean-Claude Gakosso, kicked off the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators by reading congratulatory letters from their heads of state. In his message, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the strategic value of China-Africa unity and unveiled new measures to deepen cooperation, setting a clear roadmap for an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
Established 25 years ago, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has propelled relations to unprecedented highs. Wang Yi noted that progress on the 10 partnership actions for modernization, ranging from infrastructure to research collaboration, has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Wang Yi underlined that China and Africa, as the largest developing country and the region with the highest concentration of developing economies, are emerging as pivotal forces of the Global South. He urged both sides to uphold solidarity, champion free trade and defend a just international order amid global uncertainties.
Looking ahead, Wang Yi pointed out that the 21st century belongs equally to Asia and Africa and that collaboration among more than 2.8 billion people will drive significant strides on the path to modernization.
Representing African nations, Gakosso expressed gratitude for China's support, affirmed backing for the 10 partnership actions and rallied around the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035. He also condemned unilateral sanctions and pledged to stand with China against trade barriers.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration On Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, a political blueprint to steer future efforts from infrastructure development to sustainable initiatives.
With a strengthened mandate and shared vision, China and Africa are poised to translate summit pledges into impactful projects and to fortify their roles as trailblazers for the Global South in an evolving world.
Reference(s):
China, Africa push implementation of FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes
cgtn.com
