China issued the first paper detailing its policy towards Africa yesterday, pledging to carry forward the tradition of Sino-African friendship and develop a new type of strategic partnership with the continent.

The paper illustrates China-Africa relations featuring political equality and trust, economic win-win co-operation and cultural exchanges.

The publication of the paper comes at a time when China celebrates its 50th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic relationship with African countries. Egypt was the first African and Arab country with which China established diplomatic ties in May 1956.

Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng said the paper shows China's strong determination to further enhance Sino-African ties.

Observers believe that China regards the development and prosperity of African countries as a very important precursor for peace and prosperity throughout the whole world.

According to Lu, the third ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Forum will be held in Beijing in autumn and leaders of China and African countries will discuss co-operations in various fields in the following three years.

China and Africa have seen burgeoning political and economic co-operation in recent years and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is currently on his six African-nation tour. Li is following the 12-year tradition that the first foreign trip of the year for the Chinese foreign minister is to Africa.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said earlier in a press conference that Li's week-long trip is to enhance bilateral ties, friendship and co-operation with African nations and he would hold talks and sign agreements on economic and technological co-operation with his counterparts of the six nations.

As for China-Africa energy co-operation, Lu said yesterday in a press briefing that China is willing to take part in the energy-related industries in African countries.

According to Lu, oil imports from Africa account for less than one-third of the total amount of the oil imported from other regions.

He said West African countries need investment to exploit the resources for economic development and China is willing to co-operate with them for a win-win deal.

He said the Chinese Government encourages and supports Chinese enterprises' investment in Africa, and will continue to provide preferential loans and buyer credit to this end.

China has vigorously encouraged Chinese enterprises to participate in improving infrastructure in African countries and has assisted with more than 800 infrastructure projects in Africa. Sino-African co-operation has brought about mutual benefits as trade volume surged from US$12 million in the 1950s to nearly US$40 billion last year.

Source: China Daily