By Jacob Kubeka –
8th Ministerial Conference on the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) issued the Dakar Declaration committing to develop the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
According to the declaration, China and Africa urge all countries to work together to create an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, as well as a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.
China has stated that it will not interfere in African countries’ exploration of development paths best suited to their national circumstances, will not meddle in their internal affairs, will not impose its will on others, will not attach any political strings to its aid to Africa, and will not seek political gains in its investment and financing in Africa.
Recognizing the COVID-19 pandemic as a grave threat to humanity, China and Africa have agreed to collaborate in the fight against the coronavirus.
China thanks African countries, the African Union and other regional organizations for their solidarity and support for China’s anti-epidemic actions, while the African side speaks highly of China’s efforts to assist Africa in its fight against the pandemic.
The international community should abandon vaccine nationalism, increase vaccine supply to Africa, ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and ensure the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in Africa, the declaration said.
China welcomes African countries to join the big family of Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to step up cooperation with the African Union and its institutions as well as African sub-regional organizations.
China and Africa firmly adhere to multilateralism and support the UN cause, the declaration said, adding that China firmly supports Africans as heads of international organizations and institutions, and supports African countries in deeply participating in global governance and playing a greater role in international affairs.
African countries welcome and support China’s Global Development Initiative, the declaration also said.
China encourages its enterprises to expand investment in Africa and support the localization of production in Africa, it said.
Meanwhile, both China and Africa are committed to the sustained and sound development of the Olympic Games and oppose the politicization of sports, it said, adding that the African side supports China in hosting the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and wishes the games complete success.
Xinhuanet
