Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso sent congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held Wednesday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.
In his message, President Xi emphasized the significance of deepening China-Africa ties amid a rapidly changing and turbulent international landscape. He reiterated China’s commitment to global development through the opportunities created by Chinese modernization and pledged continued support for Africa and other Global South partners.
Highlighting China’s plan to negotiate and sign a China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development agreement, Xi proposed implementing zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines for 53 African nations maintaining diplomatic relations with China. He added that China would further ease export processes for Africa’s least developed countries.
Xi outlined China’s readiness to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as green industry, e-commerce, e-payment systems, science and technology, and artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of collaboration in security, finance, and the rule of law to promote high-quality development in China-Africa cooperation.
“Openness and cooperation are the right path forward,” Xi said, calling for continued joint efforts to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. He urged both sides to carry forward the achievements of the Beijing Summit, plan for the future of FOCAC, and work towards building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
President Sassou Nguesso, in his letter, praised the strategic and tangible progress achieved through China-Africa cooperation over the past 25 years since FOCAC’s inception. He affirmed his commitment to working closely with President Xi to further enhance bilateral ties and improve the welfare of both African and Chinese peoples.
As the African co-chair of FOCAC, Sassou Nguesso reiterated the Republic of the Congo’s support for greater Global South cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. He called for building a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and fostering a new era of inclusive and mutually beneficial globalization.
The meeting in Changsha marks a key milestone in strengthening the enduring partnership between China and Africa and sets the stage for deepening collaboration in the years to come.
Written By Rodney Mbua
