9. New UN secretary-general elected

    South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon was elected the next UN secretary-general at a General Assembly session on Oct. 13.Ban Ki-moon, who succeeds Kofi Annan, will start his five-year term on Jan. 1, 2007.

    Ban Ki-moon swore the oath of office at a ceremony on Dec. 14.

    As the eighth UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon is the second Asian to lead the organization after U Thant of Myanmar served the world body four decades ago.     

    10. Sino-Africa cooperation forum held in Beijing

    China-Africa Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing from Nov. 4-5. Leaders of China and 48 African countries, as well as some representatives of regional and international organizations attended the forum.

    During the forum, Chinese and African leaders discussed bilateral relations, cooperation and development. The talks achieved substantial results.

    The forum adopted a declaration and an action plan, proclaiming a "new type of strategic partnership" between China and Africa that would feature "political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges."

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