At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Chinese premier Xi Jinping delivered a visionary speech outlining the future of China-Africa relations. Emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between the two regions, Xi highlighted the importance of advancing modernization and building a community with a shared future.
Xi underscored that the partnership between China and Africa has grown stronger over the past 24 years, fostering economic growth, battling natural disasters, and supporting each other through global challenges. Looking ahead, he proposed elevating bilateral relations to strategic levels, aiming for an all-weather community that benefits both sides.
Central to Xi's message were the ten partnership actions designed to propel modernization across the Global South. These initiatives focus on mutual learning, trade prosperity, industrial cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security. With a commitment of RMB360 billion yuan over three years, China aims to support Africa through credit lines, various forms of assistance, and significant investments.
Xi emphasized the importance of just and equitable modernization, open and win-win cooperation, people-centered development, diversity and inclusiveness, eco-friendly growth, and a peaceful and secure environment. By fostering these principles, China and Africa aim to create a wave of modernization that contributes to global progress and stability.
As China celebrates the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic, the focus remains on building a modern socialist country and pursuing national rejuvenation. Concurrently, Africa is making strides toward the modernization goals set by the African Union's Agenda 2063. Together, China and Africa are set to lead the way in creating sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to modernization.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping called for unity and collaboration, inviting over 2.8 billion Chinese and African people to join forces in shaping a prosperous and secure future for all. The 2024 FOCAC summit marks a significant milestone in this ongoing journey, laying the groundwork for a new era of China-Africa cooperation.
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Full text: Xi's speech at opening ceremony of 2024 FOCAC summit
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