China-Africa Young Leaders Forum concludes in Beijing

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The second China-Africa Young Leaders Forum concluded Tuesday in Beijing with a declaration calling for enhanced youth exchanges and cooperation.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the forum, Ai Ping, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the forum reviewed the history of China-Africa friendship and youth cooperation, and reached a consensus on forging stronger China-Africa youth cooperation.

"We agreed to carry on the China-Africa traditional friendship and explore new areas and channels for closer bilateral cooperation," Ai said.

Nearly 200 young leaders from China and 38 African countries attended the two-day forum focused on China-Africa cooperation and youth development.

Ai encouraged young Chinese and African leaders to take the platform of the forum to facilitate China-Africa youth exchanges and cooperation.

Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, secretary-general of the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) of Namibia, said the forum played a unique role in boosting Africa-China friendship and substantial cooperation.

She hopes the consensus reached on the forum will forge closer links between China-Africa cooperation and youth development.

The forum is co-sponsored by the CPC and the SWAPO.