Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to embark on a landmark visit to four African nations—Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria—from January 5 to 11, as announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.
This trip marks the 35th consecutive year that a Chinese foreign minister’s first overseas journey of the year is to Africa, underscoring the significance China places on its relationship with the continent.
Commenting on the upcoming visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted that the purpose of Wang’s tour is to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. “The visit aims to deepen practical cooperation across the board for sustained and substantive growth of China-Africa relations,” she stated during a regular press conference on Friday.
Mao Ning emphasized that Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria are all friendly cooperation partners of China. The visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties, enhance mutual understanding, and promote economic collaboration between China and these nations.
The tradition of the Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa at the start of each year reflects China’s longstanding commitment to fostering strong partnerships with African countries. This year’s visit continues that tradition, focusing on shared development goals and collective prosperity.
Wang Yi’s visit is anticipated to bolster China-Africa relations further, contributing to regional stability and opening new avenues for cooperation in fields such as trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
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Wang Yi to visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria
cgtn.com
