President Hu Jintao delivers speech at China-Africa summit [Full text]

The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 4, 2006. Leaders or representatives of China, 48 African countries and the African Union Commission attended the two-day summit, focusing on "friendship, peace, cooperation and development".(Photo: CCTV.com) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 5 -- The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has opened at the Great Hall of the People, with China vowing to continue its support of the African continent. The two sides will map out a new strategic partnership during their two-day Summit.

    A gathering on this scale is an unprecedented event in the Chinese capital.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao, 41 heads of state or government, and senior officials of 48 African countries attended.

    Addressing the ceremony, the Chinese President hailed the important role China and Africa, with one third of the world's population, are playing in the pursuit of world peace and development.

    He said it's time for both sides to build a new strategic partnership.

    Hu said: "The forging of a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership is determined by the dynamics of China-Africa cooperation. And it represents our wish to promote global peace and development. Building strong ties between China and Africa will not only promote development of each side. It will also help cement unity and cooperation among developing countries. And it will contribute to establishing a just and equitable new international political and economic order."

    Hu Jintao announced a series of concrete measures to help speed up Africa's development. These include debt relief, financial assistance, further opening of markets, tariff exemptions and personnel training.

    China's proposal was echoed by Africa.

    Meles Zenawi, Ethiopian Prime Minister said: "For the fast-developing Chinese economy, Africa is a reliable ... strategic partnership."

    Denis Sassou-nguesso, Republic of Congo President said: "Africa highly values and appreciates the positive contribution China has made to the African continent. For the countries that have, or are, undergoing political upheavals, China's assistance in areas such as peacekeeping are greatly appreciated. We thank China for its support. We need China's experience and technology to overcome many new issues facing the development of the African continent."

    At the two-day forum, leaders will discuss and issue two major documents.

    A Beijing Declaration will set the tone for future relations. And an Action Plan will lay out cooperative programs between 2007 and 2009.

    China and Africa regard each other as brothers rather than just friends.

    (Source: CCTV.com)