FM's Africa visit strengthens ties, cooperation

NAIROBI - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up his week-long Africa tour on Friday, which has taken him to Kenya, Sudan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

The visit is to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between China and African countries in areas such as politics, economy and security, Wang told reporters in Kinshasa, capital of DR Congo, the last leg of his Africa trip.

Africa hosts most of the developing countries, and China-Africa cooperation is an essential part of South-South cooperation, he said.

"China is willing to transform the traditional friendship between China and Africa into impetus for common development, and to work with African countries to convert their potential in human and natural resources into economic strengths," he added.

Win-win cooperation

Wang said that China cherishes the sincere friendship with Africa, and is willing to work with African countries to pursue common benefits, realize win-win results and achieve common development.

During his first stop in Kenya, Wang stressed that the sides will further promote cooperation in seven priority areas, including agricultural modernization, infrastructure development and renewable energy, so as to deepen bilateral relations and practical cooperation.

In Cameroon, the foreign minister said China will continue to enhance political mutual trust with Cameroon and boost win-win cooperation on the basis of the development needs of Cameroon and the ability of China.

China will further promote cooperation with Equatorial Guinea in energy and other fields and create more win-win achievements, Wang said when visiting the country.

In DR Congo, Wang said China is willing to work with the country to support each other politically, achieve win-win outcomes economically and deepen security cooperation.

Mediation efforts

Besides strengthening political ties and economic cooperation, another highlight of Wang's Africa visit is China's support for the efforts of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to promote reconciliation and realize peace and stability in South Sudan.

The Chinese foreign minister held a consultation with the IGAD and the conflicting parties of South Sudan on Monday in Khartoum, capital of Sudan, during his visit to the country.

At the consultation, South Sudan's conflicting parties reached an agreement on accelerating the country's peace process and expressed welcome to China's support for the mediation efforts of the IGAD.

Wang said achieving stability in South Sudan at an early date serves the interest of the people and is the common wish of Sudan and other countries in the region as well as China and the world at large.

The foreign minister stressed that China is mediating between Sudan and South Sudan not for its own interest but in line with the responsibilities and obligations of a responsible major country.

He also reiterated China's support for Sudanese efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, to overcome its temporary economic difficulties, and to maintain regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Wang said China values its traditional friendship with Sudan, and is willing to promote bilateral ties with a strategic vision and from a long-term perspective.

He said China is ready to explore new potential with Sudan, promote sustainable development in traditional areas of cooperation, actively discuss a new cooperation model, and explore new areas of cooperation.