China, Africa elevate strategic partnership at Beijing summit

China and Africa have taken their longstanding relationship to new heights, marking a significant boost in bilateral cooperation and demonstrating the strength and potential of Global South unity.

This was highlighted by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a press conference on Thursday, following the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing.

During the summit, China elevated its strategic partnerships with 30 African nations, further solidifying the robust bilateral ties that have been the cornerstone of China-Africa friendship.

"These solid relations form the foundation of our enduring friendship," Wang Yi noted.

The joint press conference was also attended by Yassine Fall, Senegal's Foreign Minister, and Jean-Claude Gakosso, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo. The Republic of Congo will assume the role of rotating co-chair of FOCAC, taking over from Senegal.

The summit marked a new era in China-Africa relations, which have now been characterized as an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future."

This represents a significant elevation from the previous designations of a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of both sides to deepen their collaboration.

"This summit has sent a powerful message that China and Africa are working hand in hand towards common development, showcasing the unwavering confidence, unity, and cooperation within the Global South," Wang Yi emphasized.

China's contributions to Africa's infrastructure development have been substantial. The nation has helped construct or upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, over 10,000 kilometers of railways, around 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports across the continent.

Additionally, China has dispatched medical teams to almost every African country, providing approximately 230 million treatments.

In the past three years alone, Chinese companies have created more than 1.1 million job opportunities in Africa.

"We must match our words with actions and ensure that our cooperation brings tangible benefits to the people of Africa," Wang Yi added.

Senegal's Foreign Minister, Yassine Fall, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made under FOCAC and praised China's commitment to making the China-Africa partnership a unique model of South-South cooperation.

Jean-Claude Gakosso, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo, highlighted China's vital role in Africa's modernization over the past two decades.

"In the history of Africa, there has never been such prosperous, exemplary, and promising economic and commercial cooperation with a foreign nation," Gakosso said.

The summit has reinforced the mutually beneficial cooperation and proactive solidarity that form the bedrock of the China-Africa relationship, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the years to come.