New measures to boost ties with Africa

China will launch a series of new measures to improve co-operation with African nations, ahead of November's China-Africa summit.

Announcing the measures at a summer reception at the Foreign Ministry for African diplomats in Beijing on Saturday, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said they would deepen the substantive co-operation between China and Africa.

Li called for joint efforts to make the upcoming third ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Co-operation Forum a "grand" and "pragmatic" gathering.

He said leaders from China and Africa will discuss establishing and developing a new China-Africa strategic partnership at the Beijing summit.

Li also congratulated his audience on the success of the seventh African Union (AU) summit in Gambia's capital Banjul on July 1-2, adding that China will continue to support the AU's efforts to promote peace and development in Africa.

China's friendly gestures received a warm response with diplomats from 43 African countries at the reception.

Nolana Ta Ama, Togo's ambassador to China and also the head of African diplomatic missions, expressed his appreciation for China's support and assistance for African nations' independence, peace and development.

He also spoke highly of China's policies, which have facilitated all-round China-Africa friendship within the framework of the China-Africa Co-operation Forum.

Ndumiso N. Ntshinga, South Africa's newly-appointed ambassador to Beijing, said the China-Africa friendship is embedded in a long history of exchanges.

He said the two share similar historical experiences and development challenges and "should learn from each other to work out a win-win situation."

Senkoun Sylla, premier councillor with the Guinea Embassy, told reporters he hoped China could be more involved in his nation's economic development.

He described China as one of the best friends, which has been helping his country with many development projects.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Africa, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have visited 10 African countries in the first half of the year.

They reached a broad consensus with African leaders on the promotion of China-Africa co-operation, and reiterated that the desire to enhance solidarity and co-operation with African countries has always been an important component of China's foreign policy.

Of the 53 African countries, 47 have established diplomatic ties with China.

Source: China Daily