Mao Ning, Director Of Foreign Ministry Information Department

By Aidoghie Paulinus

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his visit to Africa on the first overseas trip of this year. Could you share more information about this visit with us?

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Mao Ning: After the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi shared his impression and the outcomes of the trip in detail in an interview with Chinese media. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, this is the 36th consecutive year for Chinese foreign minister to kick off the year with a visit to Africa, which reflects Chinese people’s profound friendship with African people and embodies a kind of commitment and spirit. Some people say that Africa is the “forgotten” continent. But China views Africa as a continent full of hope and takes Africa as the starting point of China’s diplomatic effort every year. The principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith proposed by President Xi Jinping has always been the guidance for China-Africa cooperation. Sincerity and equality have always been the defining feature of China-Africa exchanges. Africa and China are good partners that can rely on and trust each other.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He stressed that the recommendations not only draw the blueprint for China’s future development, but also provide a list of opportunities for all countries including those in Africa. China will continue to be an engine of global economic growth, and is ready to act as a booster for Africa’s development and revitalization. The term most frequently mentioned by the African side is zero tariff. This measure is a shining hallmark of China-Africa cooperation in the new era and an important step taken by China to voluntarily expand unilateral opening up. It demonstrates China’s willingness to shoulder more international obligations and its firm commitment to expanding high-standard opening up. China’s huge market will truly become a great opportunity for Africa. We welcome African countries to board the express train of China’s development and work together to achieve modernization.