The international community should fully respect and listen to Africa's opinions when strengthening cooperation in the continent, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu on Thursday.

Jiang made the remarks when asked to comment on the reports saying that the European Union (EU) official would propose to establish a mechanism for strengthening EU-China cooperation in Africa.

Jiang said both China and EU have had long-term exchanges and cooperation with Africa, and both are devoted to safeguarding peace and stability of Africa and realizing sustainable development of the continent. China is willing to explore ways to strengthen communication and cooperation with EU on issues concerning Africa, Jiang said, stressing that the international community should fully respect and listen to Africa's opinions.

Jiang said China is willing to take an open and cooperative attitude to cooperating with countries and regional organizations that really care about the development of Africa so as to make a joint contribution to stability, peace and development of the continent.