Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Tuesday that China wants to develop a new type of friendly cooperation African countries accentuating long-term stability, equality and mutual benefits.
In the new century, both China and African countries want to encourage a new political and economic order in the world, Zhang said at a routine news briefing.
Last year, China and African countries organized the "China- Africa Cooperation Forum -- Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000", a means by which a stable, equal and mutual beneficial friendship could be established between all parties, Zhang said.
While implementing proposals made during the forum, China and the African countries further developed their good relations.
Exchange visits were given a high profile. Since the beginning of this year, presidents or premiers from seven African countries have visited China while Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Vice President Hu Jintao have visited African countries.
China and African countries have strengthened consultation on international affairs, supported each other and jointly safeguarded the legitimate interests of developing countries, Zhang said.
Meanwhile, China has fulfilled the promise made during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum to hasten the procedure for debt exemption for African countries, having signed protocols of debt exemption with 21 African countries, Zhang said.
In addition, China has enlarged the human resources training programs in relevant African countries and has increased aid to African countries within its own means, she said.
In 2000, the trade volume between China and African countries reached a record high of 10 billion US dollars. Since October 2000, China has launched 58 companies in African countries. Since the beginning of this year, China and African countries have signed construction projects to the value of 1.672 billion US dollars, Zhang said.
All parties have decided to improve the follow-up to the China- Africa Cooperation Forum, she said.
The efforts made by all parties would add new vigor to the already friendly relations between China and African countries, Zhang said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 21,2001)
