In an inspiring keynote at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping urged China and Africa to deepen their partnership and spearhead the modernization of the Global South.
Xi emphasized that no one should be left behind on the path to modernization, rallying the over 2.8 billion Chinese and African people to become a powerful force for progress. \"Let us promote modernization of the Global South with China-Africa modernization and write a new magnificent chapter of development in human history,\" he stated.
Reflecting on the 24-year history of FOCAC, Xi highlighted the strong and sincere relationship between China and Africa, calling it the best in history. He proposed elevating bilateral relations to strategic levels, aiming to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
Xi stressed that modernization is a fundamental right for all countries and emphasized the importance of equitable and just progress. He called for open, win-win cooperation in areas like industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment, and committed to building green growth engines and promoting low-carbon development.
Looking ahead, Xi outlined 10 partnership actions to advance modernization over the next three years, covering mutual learning, trade prosperity, connectivity, health, agriculture, cultural exchanges, green development, and security. Additionally, he announced support for Africa in issuing panda bonds to enhance cooperation.
With one-third of the world's population in China and Africa, Xi affirmed that global modernization cannot progress without their joint efforts, envisioning a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress for all.
Reference(s):
Xi urges China, Africa to spearhead modernization of Global South
cgtn.com