Wang Yi: The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Has Become a Banner Guiding International Cooperation with Africa and Elevating South-South Cooperation

2018-08-22 00:22

On August 22, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a briefing for Chinese and foreign media held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), established 18 years ago, has always been keeping up with the new century and pressing ahead in tandem with China-Africa cooperation. Adhering to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, the FOCAC has become a forum featuring equality, practicality and efficiency. It has not only stuck to the agenda set in the blueprint, but also advanced with the times and attached importance to innovation. After years of development and accumulation, China-Africa cooperation, under the framework of the FOCAC, has achieved remarkable outcomes which are widely recognized, receiving welcome from African people and high praise from the international community. Three years ago, the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit was successfully held, during which China and Africa agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and embarked on a new journey of win-win cooperation and common development. Over the past three years, the two sides have witnessed close high-level exchanges. President Xi Jinping has paid three visits to Africa and nearly 30 African heads of state and government have visited China or come to China for various meetings, during which President Xi Jinping met and exchanged with many African leaders on various international occasions. China and Africa have closely cooperated with each other to fully implement the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit. As a result, the 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans proposed by President Xi Jinping are progressing smoothly, and various commitments and arrangements have been put in place. Today, the FOCAC has become a well-known brand of China-Africa cooperation and also a banner that guides international cooperation with Africa as well as elevates South-South cooperation.