BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-African
cooperation forum will hold its summit and ministerial conference in Beijing
between Nov. 3-5 with the theme "Friendship, peace, cooperation and
development."
During the opportune meeting, Chinese and African
leaders are expected to review the past 50-year friendly cooperation, and the
achievements made since the setting up of the Sino-African cooperation forum.
The two sides will also decide to forge a new strategic partnership with
political equality and mutual trust, economic cooperation and collective
benefit, and cultural exchanges.
It is firmly believed that the meeting would open up
new paths, add new content and infuse new vigor in the cooperation between China
and Africa.
Nowadays, safeguarding world peace, promoting
development, and reinforcing cooperation have become the common aspirations of
the people of all countries.
With continued development of political
multi-polarization and economic globalization, the momentum to resolve all
disputes, and promote joint development through global and regional cooperation,
and cooperation within a region, have all been in an upward trend.
The Beijing Summit will surely promote China-Africa
cooperation, provide new impetus for regional cooperation, and boost world peace
and development.
The meeting, to be held on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of the establishment of Sino-African ties, is of special
significance as Chinese and African leaders gather in Beijing to review the past
and preview the future.
Over the past half a century, Sino-African friendly
cooperation has undergone numerous historical events worth commemorating and
cherishing. As Chinese President Hu Jintao said during his visit to Nigeria in
April, history has witnessed the milestones of Sino-African friendship.
At present, China and African countries have
maintained close political ties. High-level mutual visits, and personnel
exchanges between the two sides have become more frequent. Their economic and
trade ties has developed rapidly, and consultation and coordination in
international affairs has enhanced gradually.
By far, China has established diplomatic relations
with 48 African countries. In 1956, when China established diplomatic ties with
Egypt, its trade volume with the African continent was only 12 million U.S.
dollars. In 2006, the Sino-African trade volume has exceeded 50 billion dollars.
In April 1963, the Chinese government dispatched its
first medical team to Africa. Since then, China has sent a total of 15,000
medical personnel to 47 African countries, who treated 170 million patients.
Since 1990, China has participated in 12 UN peacekeeping operations in Africa,
and dispatched 3,000-plus soldiers to join UN peacekeeping forces there.
In recent years, political, economic and security
situations inAfrica have displayed gratifying changes.
With the joint efforts of African nations and the
African Union(AU), the political situation in Africa has generally been stable,
with regional disputes reducing.
In 2004, the African economy grew 5.3 percent and it
reached 5.4 percent in 2005. The figure is estimated to rise to 5.9 percent in
2006. The IMF has pointed out that southern Africa is experiencing the most
powerful and sustained economic growth phase since the 1870's.
In addition, the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD) has already charted out the blueprint for Africa's revival
and development.
African countries are now joining hands to stand on
their own feet, implementing independent diplomatic policies, actively involving
in South-North Cooperation, pushing forward the South-South Dialogue, and
exerting a greater role in international affairs.
On the other hand, the stable society, sustained
economic development, and the advancement in reform and opening up of China,
brings the world an unprecedented opportunity of development and cooperation.
Against this backdrop, the Beijing Summit will
enhance and cement the Sino-African friendly relations for cooperation.
