Chinese president speaks on Africa policy, pledges assistance (2)

ASSISTANCE & MUTUAL SUPPORT

While elaborating on China's future policies towards the continent, Xi said China and Africa will continue to support each other on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, and China will remain committed to Africa's endeavor to "independently" resolve regional issues and make greater contribution to peace and security in Africa.

"Unity and cooperation with African countries have always been an important foundation for China's foreign policy, which will never change, not even when China grows stronger and enjoys a higher international status," he said.

The Chinese president also called on other nations to respect Africa's "dignity and independence" as they develop their relations with the continent, adding that there is no "one-size-fits-all" development model in the world.

On China's assistance to the continent, Xi said China will continue to expand investment and financing cooperation with Africa, and follow through on the commitment of providing a 20-billion-U.S.-dollar credit line to African nations from 2013 to 2015.

He said China will promote cooperation that could generate "real results" with African nations in such sectors as transnational and trans-regional infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, adding that China will help the continent train 30,000 professionals, and provide 18,000 government scholarships to African students from 2013 to 2015.

"China will continue to offer, as always, necessary assistance to Africa with no political strings attached," he said.

Meanwhile, Xi said China will face squarely and sincerely the new developments and new problems confronting relations with Africa.

The two sides should properly handle any problem that may arise in a spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, he said.

Tanzania is the second leg of Xi's first overseas trip after assuming the presidency. He had already visited Russia.

Later on Monday, the Chinese leader arrived in South Africa for a state visit. In the country, he will also attend the fifth BRICS summit in the port city of Durban on March 26-27, the first to be held on the African continent.

Xi will wrap up his maiden overseas trip as China's top leader in the Republic of the Congo.

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