Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a statement on Tuesday that China-Africa relations will continue to yield fruitful results in 2024, despite the changing and interconnected international situation. Mao made these comments during a regular press briefing when asked to share her views on key aspects of China-Africa cooperation in 2024 and expectations for China-Africa relations in 2025.
Mao mentioned that approximately 6,000 Chinese and foreign guests, including the leaders of 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, and the UN Secretary-General, participated in the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) Beijing Summit in September. At the summit, China and Africa outlined 10 partnership actions to advance modernization. Mao also noted that many impressive projects have been implemented across Africa through various signature programs.
She further highlighted that a declaration was adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, emphasizing opposition to conflict and division. Mao stated, “We witnessed the great unity of the Global South, and the collective rise of the Global South with China and Africa as key members.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Mao emphasized that China will actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the significant consensus reached by Chinese and African leaders. She mentioned that China would work with African countries to align policies and development strategies, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Mao reiterated China’s commitment to working closely with African countries on issues of mutual concern, enriching the concept of the China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, jointly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South, and upholding international justice and fairness. She expressed China’s willingness to promote world peace and development together with Africa.