The new Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has kicked off his first visit to Africa, marking the 33rd consecutive year that Africa has been the destination of a Chinese foreign minister’s annual first overseas visit.
This certainly reflects the great importance China attaches to the traditional friendship and the development of relations with Africa.
To deepen the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and boost friendly cooperation between China and Africa, Foreign Minister Qin Gang began his visit, and the first country was Ethiopia.
In Addis Ababa, he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“The relationship between the two countries remains steadfast,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who greeted the Chinese delegation in Addis Ababa. “Our discussion today has highlighted this: our shared strategic development goals, and commitment to continental and global cooperation.”
He also had an extensive meeting with the AU Commission Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat. They held the 8th China-African Union strategic dialogue at the organization’s headquarters in Ethiopia.
Qin said that integration in Africa had seen great progress in recent years, and the collective influence of African countries on international issues is strengthening. China congratulates this achievement.
China takes the lead in supporting the African Union’s bid to join the G20 and helps strengthen the representatives and influence of African countries in the UN Security Council and other international organizations, Qin said.
After Ethiopia, Qin is scheduled to visit Gabon, Angola, Benin, Egypt, and the League of Arab States Headquarters upon invitation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Analysts said this is a thoughtful arrangement, as the trip covers African countries from all regions of the continent with different economic sizes, languages, and cultural backgrounds, and this shows that China is dealing with different African partners with an equal attitude and has a comprehensive and mature diplomatic policy toward the continent.
Source: Global Times