Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 5 in Beijing. This landmark summit marks a significant moment as leaders from China and Africa reunite after a six-year hiatus to reaffirm their commitment to deepening political mutual trust and enhancing pragmatic cooperation.
Xi has already commenced a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from African nations including South Africa, Guinea, Eritrea, Seychelles, Djibouti, Togo, Comoros, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These meetings underscore China’s ongoing dedication to strengthening ties with its African partners.
At the summit, Xi will host a welcoming banquet and a series of bilateral events for leaders and representatives from African regional and international organizations. The theme of the 2024 FOCAC Summit, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” highlights China’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and cooperative partnership with Africa.
Since his visit to Africa in March 2013, Xi has championed principles of sincerity, real results, and mutual benefit in China-Africa relations. Past FOCAC summits have seen significant milestones, including the implementation of ten major cooperation plans in 2015, eight new initiatives in 2018, and nine programs announced in 2021. These initiatives have spanned various fields, from infrastructure and green development to education and vocational training.
Xi’s recent remarks emphasize that China is prepared to work closely with African nations to create new momentum for cooperation and enhance the quality of their partnership. This includes advancing modernization through new initiatives like the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.
The summit comes at a crucial time as the global landscape grows increasingly complex. Xi’s focus on solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa aims to set a model for global development, highlighting the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and shared interests.
China’s role as a major investor and development partner in Africa includes numerous projects such as infrastructure development, green technology programs, and educational support. These efforts reflect a commitment to supporting Africa’s modernization and contributing to a more balanced and inclusive global development model.
As Xi prepares for the FOCAC summit, the stage is set for a renewed focus on China-Africa cooperation, with both sides poised to explore new opportunities for growth and solidarity in the evolving global landscape.
