Promises to help Africa build capacity for self-driven development

The government of the People’s Republic of China has cautioned Africa against development models imposed on them by the Global North, stressing that they have neither brought stability nor prosperity to the continent.

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who spoke yesterday as part of activities marking the Second Session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, noted that while Africa-China cooperation thrived, other major countries of the world have again, turned their eyes to Africa.

Yi stressed that though China was not against such development, it however hoped that in like manner, those nations will increase their support for Africa.

He further pledged the commitment of Chinese government to assist Africa build its capacity for self-development.

“China will assist Africa in building capacity for self-driven development and support faster modernization in the continent. China always holds that Africa should not be marginalized. while China-African cooperation thrives, other major countries have again, turned their eyes to Africa. China welcomes that but we hope that like China, all sides will pay a greater attention to Africa and increase import to support Africa’s development, and support only the development with real actions.”

To buttressed the deep-rooted relationship between China and Africa, the Minister said that Chinese Prime Minister starts overseas visit every year with a trip to Africa. This tradition, he said, has continued for 34 years.

“This is unique in the history of international exchanges. It is so because China and Africa are brothers to each other in sincerity and in sharing a common future.

“We have fought shoulder to shoulder against imperialism and colonialism; we have supported each other in pursuit of development, we have always stood for justice in a changing international landscape.

“Since the start of the new era, President of China has put forth the principle of sincerity, real results and good faith, and called for taking the right approach to friendship and interest.

“Building a China-African community with a shared future has just been steered to a fast track. China has remained Africa’s biggest trading partner for 15 years straight and the span of China African cooperation is growing bigger.

“The Chinese and African people are getting closer to each other. The global South including China and Africa is growing fast and profound in shaping a course of world history. African countries are experiencing a new awaking. Models imposed from outside have brought Africa neither stability nor prosperity”, the Minister said.

He therefore advised that African nations should explore developmental models that are suitable to their peculiar conditions and keep their future and destiny firm in their own hands.

“In this new historical process, China will continue to stand firmly with their African brothers and support an Africa that is truly independent in thinking and ideas.

“On basis of respecting the will of Africa/China relation for more lateral and bilateral corporations, the next meeting of the China/African cooperation will hold in China this quarter. Chinese and African leaders will gather in Beijing again after six years to discuss future development, cooperation and exchange of ideas. I believe that through this summit, China and Africa will enhance their long-standing friendship and deepen unity and collaboration.”

Yi is also optimistic that the summit will lead to opening of a new vista for faster development as well as kick-start a new chapter for China-Africa community with a shared future.