China, Africa pledge to step up cooperation

DAKAR, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has issued the Dakar Declaration, pledging to deepen China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

China and Africa call on all countries to work together to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, and to build a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, the declaration said.

China will not interfere in African countries' exploration of development paths suited to their national conditions, not interfere in their internal affairs, not impose its will on others, not attach any political strings to its aid to Africa, not seek political gains in its investment and financing in Africa, it said.

Recognizing the COVID-19 pandemic as a major challenge facing the mankind, China and Africa pledge to work together against the coronavirus.

China thanks African countries, the African Union and other regional organizations for their solidarity and support for China's anti-epidemic actions, while the African side speaks highly of China's efforts to assist Africa in its fight against the pandemic.

The international community should abandon vaccine nationalism, increase vaccine supply to Africa, ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and ensure the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in Africa, the declaration said.

China welcomes African countries to join the big family of Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to step up cooperation with the African Union and its institutions as well as African sub-regional organizations.

China and Africa firmly adhere to multilateralism and support the UN cause, the declaration said, adding that China firmly supports Africans as heads of international organizations and institutions, and supports African countries in deeply participating in global governance and playing a greater role in international affairs.

African countries welcome and support China's Global Development Initiative, the declaration also said.

China encourages its enterprises to expand investment in Africa and support the localization of production in Africa, it said.

Meanwhile, both China and Africa are committed to the sustained and sound development of the Olympic Games and oppose the politicization of sports, it said, adding that the African side supports China in hosting the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and wishes the games complete success.