China and African nations have pledged to elevate their collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a new chapter in their mutual development journey. This commitment was made during a high-level meeting at the ongoing 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday.
Co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Kenyan President William Ruto, the meeting focused on reinforcing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Vice Premier Ding highlighted Africa’s pivotal role as a partner in the BRI, emphasizing that strengthened strategic alignment and practical cooperation have yielded significant outcomes for both sides.
“China and Africa’s collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative showcases our complementary advantages and opens up broad prospects for cooperation,” Ding stated. “We are eager to work with Africa to set a benchmark for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, bringing more tangible benefits to our peoples.”
Ding outlined several key areas for enhanced cooperation, including the construction of a multi-dimensional connectivity network and the alignment of rules and standards. He urged for strengthened cooperation across the entire chain of infrastructure development—from construction to operation and services.
Emphasizing the need to upgrade economic and trade ties, Ding proposed expanding pragmatic cooperation in new fields and strengthening collaboration in public health, green transition, and the digital economy. He also called for joint efforts to promote projects that directly benefit the people, enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
African leaders and representatives expressed their enthusiasm for deepening strategic synergy with China. They voiced a shared commitment to advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to new heights, fostering development, and improving the livelihoods of their populations.
Approximately 350 representatives from China, African countries, and regional organizations attended the meeting. The consensus reached signals a strengthened partnership that aims to drive sustainable development and shared prosperity across the continent.
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China, Africa vow to boost high-quality Belt and Road cooperation
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