Chinese official upbeat about FOCAC Summit

A Chinese government official on Friday expressed optimism over positive results from the ongoing Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

Zhong Jianhua, Special Representative on African Affairs of the Chinese government, said the summit, which kicked off Friday morning, would be successful, judging from the response from the audience to the speech made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit's opening.

The Chinese president put forward a 10-point proposal which includes 60 billion U.S. dollars in an assistance package to African countries.

Zhong said the proposal is very specific and complete, covering all spheres of life.

Zhong called on business, politicians and the ordinary people to work towards the further development of China-Africa relations.

He said Chinese President Xi Jinping also met a number of African Heads of State for bilateral meetings, prior to the summit.

Zhong said some of the issues discussed at the consultations include industrialization and infrastructural development.

Reviewing the historical development of China-Africa relations, Zhong said, "We have to rethink the relationship between China and Africa to do more cooperation with each other."

"China-Africa relations have gone through very colourful stages of development. We want to work together with our African friends to find a long lasting relationship," he said.

China, he said, will build on the past achievements to push forward bilateral cooperation.

Zhong said China always respects its African counterparts in developing bilateral ties.

"We will consult with Africans and hear their opinions and not tell them what to do," he said. Enditem