Xi Jinping Toasts China-Africa Unity at 2024 FOCAC Summit Banquet
Beijing, October 25, 2024 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a grand banquet on Wednesday evening to welcome international guests attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The banquet, held at the Great Hall of the People, was attended by African leaders, dignitaries, and representatives, marking the commencement of the high-profile summit aimed at strengthening China-Africa ties.
In his toast, President Xi extended a warm welcome to the guests and expressed his pleasure at meeting them on the eve of the summit. Quoting a Chinese poem, he said, “True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between them“, highlighting the enduring friendship between China and Africa.
“I have been to Africa 10 times and hosted many African leaders in China. All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming,” President Xi remarked. “They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation, has been blessed with a good start, and enjoys broad prospects.”
President Xi reflected on the historical ties between China and Africa, noting that since the mid-20th century, both have stood together against imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, forging a robust partnership based on mutual support and cooperation. He emphasized that the China-Africa friendship remains strong despite global changes.
He highlighted the achievements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation since its inception 24 years ago, mentioning collaborative projects such as roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones across the African continent. “These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people,” he stated.
President Xi also underscored the successful implementation of the outcomes from the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference held in Dakar in 2021, including the “nine programs” that have enhanced cooperation between China and Africa. He praised the joint efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the voice of the Global South on international platforms.
“We human beings have been dreaming of a community with a shared future, and modernization is what it takes to turn our dream into reality,” he said. “I am confident that as long as the 2.8 billion-strong Chinese and African people are united for this common goal, we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization.”
Concluding his toast, President Xi proposed a toast to the prosperity of China and African countries, the everlasting friendship between their peoples, the success of the summit, and the health of all distinguished guests and their families.
The 2024 FOCAC Summit is expected to further strengthen economic, political, and cultural ties between China and African nations, promoting shared development and mutual prosperity.
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Full text: Toast by Xi Jinping at welcome banquet of 2024 FOCAC summit
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