BEIJING - The Sino-African cooperation forum will hold its summit and ministerial conference in Beijing between Nov. 3-5 with the theme "Friendship, peace, cooperation and development."

During the opportune meeting, Chinese and African leaders are expected to review the past 50-year friendly cooperation, and the achievements made since the setting up of the Sino-African cooperation forum. The two sides will also decide to forge a new strategic partnership with political equality and mutual trust, economic cooperation and collective benefit, and cultural exchanges.

It is firmly believed that the meeting would open up new paths, add new content and infuse new vigor in the cooperation between China and Africa.

Nowadays, safeguarding world peace, promoting development, and reinforcing cooperation have become the common aspirations of the people of all countries.

With continued development of political multi-polarization and economic globalization, the momentum to resolve all disputes, and promote joint development through global and regional cooperation, and cooperation within a region, have all been in an upward trend.

The Beijing Summit will surely promote China-Africa cooperation, provide new impetus for regional cooperation, and boost world peace and development.

The meeting, to be held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-African ties, is of special significance as Chinese and African leaders gather in Beijing to review the past and preview the future.

Over the past half a century, Sino-African friendly cooperation has undergone numerous historical events worth commemorating and cherishing. As Chinese President Hu Jintao said during his visit to Nigeria in April, history has witnessed the milestones of Sino-African friendship.

At present, China and African countries have maintained close political ties. High-level mutual visits, and personnel exchanges between the two sides have become more frequent. Their economic and trade ties has developed rapidly, and consultation and coordination in international affairs has enhanced gradually.

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