Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to deepening cooperation with African nations during high-level meetings in Changsha this week, as leaders gathered for the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and FOCAC ministerial talks.
Wang met with foreign ministers from Somalia, Mozambique, and Togo – three of the 53 African delegations attending the Hunan-hosted events. The discussions spotlighted China's strategy to align development initiatives with Africa's peace and economic priorities.
In talks with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Wang emphasized implementation of agreements from last year's FOCAC Beijing Summit that elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. 'China stands ready to help Somalia accelerate reconstruction through practical cooperation,' Wang stated, highlighting infrastructure and security collaboration.
Ali acknowledged China's support during Somalia's 'most difficult times,' praising Beijing's global initiatives while emphasizing strong public support for Sino-Somali relations. Similar dialogues unfolded with Mozambique's Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas and Togo's Robert Dussey, focusing on trade facilitation and industrialization partnerships.
The meetings come as two-way trade between China and Africa reached $282 billion in 2023, with Chinese investment flowing into renewable energy projects and special economic zones across the continent. Analysts view the Changsha gatherings as critical for aligning China's development financing with Africa's Agenda 2063 priorities.
