China Attaches Importance to Ties with Africa: Premier Zhu

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, September 05, 2002

China Attaches Importance to Ties with Africa: Premier Zhu

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Wednesday in Johannesburg that his country attached great importance to the relations with Africa and paid much attention to the progress madeby Africa.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Wednesday in Johannesburg that his country attached great importance to the relations with Africa and paid much attention to the progress made by Africa.

The Sino-African relations, which see a good momentum of rapid development with frequent exchange of leaders' visits, have withstood the test of time and international situation, said Zhu at a banquet here on Tuesday evening in honor of African leaders.

China and Africa have hailed their profound and sincere friendship, and such friendship is a showcase of the cooperation among developing countries.

As developing countries, China and African states have shared the same historical experience and are facing common development tasks and challenges, Zhu said.

To enhance unity and cooperation between China and the rest of developing countries constitutes a basic point of China's diplomatic work, he added.

Describing the cooperation between China and Africa in various fields as highly expanded, Zhu said the annual trade turnover between the two sides has surpassed 10 billion US dollars in the past two consecutive years.

The economic relations and trade cooperation are developing with mutual benefit, he stressed.

African countries have in recent years paid attention to regional integration and self-reliance, Zhu said, adding that theyhave made a big stride forward on the road of Africa's renaissance by way of launching the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

The world is witnessing Africa's strong desire and unshakable confidence in the realization of common development, he said.

"We deeply appreciate and support those efforts by African countries," said Zhu.

As long as all the African countries maintain unity and stability, take developing road in line with their own national conditions, and actively participate in international cooperation, the African continent will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve NEPAD's goals of sustainable development, according to theChinese premier.

In new century, Zhu said, China will, as always, join hands with African countries to make contribution to the establishment of a fair and just international order.

Representing African leaders at the banquet, Gabonese President Omar Bongo said African countries value the friendly and cooperative relations with China.

Bongo also called on the developing countries to join hands together to face the changes of the new century and challenges brought by globalization.

About 20 African leaders were present at the banquet on the sidelines of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which was opened on Aug. 26 and is expected to end on Sept. 4.

During the WSSD, heads of state and government pursued their debate on the planet's worst problems while, behind closed doors, negotiators haggled over a few words barring completion of the Plan of Implementation.

That document is due to be approved at the summit's close on Wednesday, along with a declaration of support for sustainable development.

Questions?Comments? Click here

China Gives Proposals on Sustainable Development

Premier Zhu Announces China's Approval of Kyoto Protocol

>> Full Coverage

Highly Concerning China, US Plans to Deploy New Fighters in Guam ( 5 Messages)

Japanese Court Dismisses Germ Warfare Victims' Damages Claim ( 3 Messages)

China Plans to Stop the Overeas Flight of Corrupt Officials ( 14 Messages)

China's Exports Hit Record of US$56.2 Billion in July ( 96 Messages)

Old Chinese Beaten by NY Police, Triggers off Big Clash ( 47 Messages)