China aims to be 'most reliable partner' for Africa's industrialization

BEIJING - Decades after supporting African countries to win independence and liberation, China has positioned itself as "a most desirable and reliable" partner for the continent on its journey to industrialization.

"China has always made sure our cooperation with Africa caters to Africa's need," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during talks with Sam Kutesa, president of the 69th UN General Assembly (UNGA), also Uganda's Foreign Minister.

Expressing support for African countries to achieve industrialization and enhance their capacity for development, Wang said, "China is a most desirable and reliable long-term partner for Africa to achieve industrialization and hopes to make new contributions in this regard."

China will neither seek colonialism in Africa as Western countries did not pursue cooperation at the cost of Africa's environment, Wang said, explaining that the China-Africa partnership focuses more on bringing benefits to local people and increasing employment.

Wang proposed China and Uganda upgrade their cooperation by working together more in industry, energy and resources, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and human resources.

Wang reiterated China will never interfere in African countries' domestic affairs, nor should any other country do so.

Kutesa appreciated China's principles of mutual benefit and equal treatment in international relations.

"China has never colonized Africa, so we don't accept groundless accusations," Kutesa said.

He said Uganda and China can be partners on their way to achieving national development goals.

Wang and Kutesa also touched on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, post-2015 development agenda and climate change. Wang said China hopes to work with Kutesa to make the September meetings at the UN successful and maintain world peace and development.

Wang said leaders from China and the world will discuss how to ensure the UN plays a core role in global governance.

Kutesa said China has demonstrated important leadership in world affairs, especially in cooperation with developing countries. He looks forward to Chinese leaders' presence at the UN meetings in September.