By: Mohamed Sahr
By way of deepening bilateral relationship among Africa nations, the People`s Republic of China is looking forward to host the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FoCAC) in Beijing, which aims to promote diplomatic, trade, security and investment within Africa countries and China. The statement was made during a press briefing held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown on Thursday 15th August 2024.
His Excellency Ambassador Wang Qing said the summit would be held in September this year, which tends to focus on strengthening reforms, opening more space, enhancing cross-border trades and fostering development as one of China’s core priorities among the 45 African countries.
He said President Xi JinPing emphasized during the last FOCAC summit on the need to harness China-Africa trade, focusing on improving manufacturer outputs and job creation. “China-Africa friendship has made new progress in the past decades by promoting common goals,” Ambassador Ping said.
He mentioned that the FOCAC summit would look at key tenets of the five principles of peaceful coexistence which guides China’s foreign policy objectives. Adding that it would be expected to promote political dialogue and economic co-operation, with the long-term aim of common economic development and prosperity framed squarely on a one-China ideology.
Ambassador Qing said China’s development progress had benefited Africa countries including Sierra Leone especially on the aspect of health infrastructures. He stated that China provided more than 400,000 jobs to Africa countries in order to stabilize its economy.
In another update, Ambassador Wang Qing said China had provided irrigation facilities, seedlings, rice production and training of local farmers to boost President Bio’s “Feed Salone” agenda. He affirmed that more than 500 short training opportunities to Sierra Leoneans in various areas such as technology, innovative and art among others. “China will continue to provide scholarships as a total of 200 Sierra Leonean students are set to leave for China to acquire their masters education,” Ambassador Ping said.
He underscored that the President Xi Jinping leadership would continue to increase political trust among the two nations, adding that China would further seek to contribute to President Bio’s big five game changers.
