China's FM hails success of China-Africa ministerial meeting
2012/07/21
 

English.news.cn 2012-07-20

 
 Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (C) , Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr (L) and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane attend a joint conference as the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concludes in Beijing, capital of China, July 20, 2012. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)


BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Friday hailed the success of the just concluded Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"Thanks to the joint efforts from China and Africa, much was achieved during the meeting and our goals have been reached," Yang said at a joint press conference.

The two-day meeting, held in Beijing, forged consensuses and enhanced mutual trust, Yang said, adding that nearly 20 bilateral meetings between Chinese and African leaders were held with the active participation of Chinese and African delegates.

"The forum illustrated the determination of China and Africa to deepen the new strategic partnership, and to unswervingly consolidate unity among developing countries," he said.

The meeting also promoted China-Africa cooperation with innovation, Yang noted.

President Hu Jintao announced a package of new measures to support Africa's peace and stability, and to promote Chinese-African relations.

"This package, covering investment, aid, social development, African integration, non-official contact, peace and security, is much more broader and richer in resources than before," Yang said.

He highlighted the two documents agreed at the meeting, including the Beijing declaration and an action plan for 2013-2015.

This meeting also featured various sideline activities, including forums in such sectors as non-official, business, culture, finance and youth.

"Those sideline activities indicated the abundance of FOCAC's content and promoted the expansion of the forum," Yang said.

The next FOCAC ministerial meeting will be hosted by South Africa. Yang expressed congratulations and pledged that China would continue efforts with the African side to promote cooperation.

 
 Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (C) speaks during a joint conference as the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concludes in Beijing, capital of China, July 20, 2012. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)