| Tang Jiaxuan Attends Reception to Celebrate First Anniversary of Beijing Summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum |
| 2007-11-12 |
|
On November 4, 2007, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse a reception to celebrate the first anniversary of Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and delivered a speech. Tang said the Beijing Summit has drawn up the blueprint for China-Africa cooperation and opened a new chapter in the friendly relations of the two sides. Over the past year, various follow-up programs have been carried out, Tang said, adding political trust has been strengthened and substantial cooperation expanded. Solidarity and cooperation has been kept closer and China-Africa ties show a new look, he added. To advance solidarity and cooperation with Africa is a long-term strategic decision for China and a basic principle guiding China's African policy, the state councilor said. China will continue to join hands with African countries to carry on the spirit of Beijing Summit, treat one another as equals, deepen traditional friendship, seek mutual benefits, and promote common development. Tang also urged both sides to enhance exchanges of civilizations based on openness and tolerance, promote solidarity and cooperation, increase mutual support and advance the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership in a bid to push for the building of a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity. Cameroonian Ambassador to China Eleih-Elle Etian, also dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, regarded the Beijing Summit as an innovative and historic conference, which laid a new foundation for China's cooperation with African countries. He commended China's commitment to the implementation of eight favorable policies toward Africa and the progress achieved so far in carrying out the policies. African countries are ready to work closely with China and push forward China-Africa friendly cooperative ties to a new stage, the ambassador said. About 200 people including Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, also director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, officials in charge of relevant ministries and commissions of CPC Central Committee and State Council, as well as African envoys in China attended the reception. |