China supports Africa building Belt and Road: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech themed "walk together towards prosperity" at the opening ceremony of the High-level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives as well as the Sixth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China supports African countries in jointly building the Belt and Road to share the win-win outcomes, President Xi Jinping said Monday when addressing the High-Level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives.

China stands ready to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with the African countries to build a road of high-quality development that is suited to national conditions, inclusive and beneficial to all, Xi said in his keynote speech at the meeting, also the Sixth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs.

Realizing common prosperity for the people of all nations, including African people, is an important part of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said in his speech themed "walk together towards prosperity."

"Africa is an extension of the Belt and Road development historically and naturally and an important participant in the initiative," the president said.

China does not attach any political strings to its investment in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative, nor does it interfere in African countries' internal affairs or impose its demands on others, he noted.

The China-Africa cooperation under the initiative targets inadequate infrastructure and other key constraints on Africa's development, "with funds to be used where they count most," Xi said.

He said China and Africa's joint development of the Belt and Road completely follows established international rules, noting that China is ready to strengthen third-party cooperation with any country that has the capability and the intent.

China welcomes entrepreneurs worldwide, including those from Africa, to invest and develop in China and encourages Chinese entrepreneurs to explore and develop business in Africa, so as to jointly promote the Belt and Road, Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech themed "walk together towards prosperity" at the opening ceremony of the High-level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives as well as the Sixth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)