Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to the Coordinators' Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The Johannesburg Summit last December opened a new era of win-win cooperation and common development between China and Africa and was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations, Xi said in the letter.
Over the past six months, China and Africa have worked together to overcome the negative impact of the sluggish world economy, reached consensus on jointly implementing the outcomes of the summit and achieved tangible results, showing the dynamic development of China-Africa cooperation, Xi said.
The coordinators' meeting in Beijing is an important step by China and Africa to implement the consensus of Chinese and African leaders and the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit, Xi said.
The meeting demonstrates to the world once again that no matter how the international landscape may change, China and Africa will never change in their resolve to pursue unity and cooperation, and that China's support for African peace and development will never change, Xi said.
The current weak performance of the world economy brings opportunities and challenges for the economic development of China and Africa, Xi said, adding that China and Africa must "stand shoulder to shoulder and march forward hand in hand."
Citing a Chinese saying "the unity of two brothers gives them the strength to cut through metal," Xi expressed his hope that at the meeting the two sides will exchange views, compare notes, build consensus and promote cooperation.
By pooling wisdom and strength and advancing their friendship and cooperation, China and Africa will make sure that the results of the summit will benefit their 2.4 billion people, Xi said.
Xi noted that China values relations with Africa and will continue to act on the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith. China will uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, take solid steps to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit, and enrich and foster the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
