African officials hail President Xi's speech at FOCAC summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Friday was not only inspirational but also breathed new life into Sino-Africa bilateral ties, African officials told Xinhua.

During his keynote address at the FOCAC summit in Johannesburg, Xi articulated a broad vision that China intends to pursue in order to strengthen cooperation with African countries.

He revealed that China will provide 60 billion U.S. dollars to support implementation of projects that advances development, peace, security and health in Africa.

African leaders, policymakers and scholars hailed the Chinese president's speech, saying it injected fresh hope and confidence in a longstanding bilateral cooperation.

Erastus Mwencha, Vice-Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC) said that President Xi delivered a speech that was rich in substance and practicality.

During an interview with Xinhua, Mwencha said the Chinese leader eloquently outlined a new vision for Sino-Africa cooperation during his maiden speech at FOCAC summit.

"President Xi Jinping delivered a speech that raised the bar in China-Africa cooperation. He emphasized that our cooperation with China has entered a new phase and this is commendable," Mwencha remarked.

China has provided funding to the African Union to help the continental body implement a range of programs that promote human development.

Mwencha hailed Xi for announcing additional funding to support economic growth and social transformation in Africa.

"The most captivating part of President Xi Jinping's speech was the announcement of 60 billion dollars grant and concessional loans to assist African countries address a number of challenges like infrastructure, health and security," Mwencha told Xinhua.

He added the president's speech addressed issues that resonate with aspirations of the African people.

Edna Molewa, the South African minister for environmental affairs, said Xi connected effectively with the African audience when he delivered his speech at the FOCAC summit.

"The speech by President Xi Jinping was great; he spoke candidly on issues that are dear to us African people. He also highlighted weighty issues regarding China-Africa cooperation," Molewa remarked.

She added that African countries are optimistic China will fulfill its pledge to support industrial progress, environmental protection and skills development in the continent.

"In his keynote address, President Xi Jinping mentioned new areas of cooperation and it is clear the stage is now set to further our cooperation with China in areas like industrialization, development of roads, railways, ports and the blue economy," Molewa told Xinhua.

Botswana Ambassador to China Sasara Chasala George remarked that Chinese political leaders are fully behind Africa's quest to achieve peaceful development.

"President Xi Jinping's announcement of 60 billion U.S. dollars was a confirmation China means well in its relationship with Africa," Chasala George remarked, adding that African states should put strong measures in place to ensure bilateral ties with China do not falter.

Zimbabwe's Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike C. Bimha, told Xinhua that the Chinese president's speech "is very encouraging" and reiterates that China is very genuine and very serious about its relations with Africa.

Bimha said President Xi's 10-point proposal for promoting China-Africa relations shows that "China wants to be a true friend of Africa, and we should see more and more cooperation. So I'm happy with President Xi's speech."

This proposal "is the best a head of state can propose and the best to have come up from FOCAC," Bimha said. Endit