Steady progress achieved in implementing follow-up activities of FOCAC Beijing S

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 -- Steady progress has been made in the implementation of the follow-up activities of the Beijing Summit 2006 of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) through joint efforts of China and African countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here Sunday.

China and Africa now enjoy deeper mutual political trust, more productive business cooperation, closer personnel exchanges at all levels and stronger public support for our friendship, said Yang Jiechi in the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) held in Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharmel-Sheikh.

Yang Jiechi presented to the conference a report on the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, including the following four points:

First, China-Africa political exchanges and cooperation have become closer.

Second, practical cooperation in economy and trade between China and Africa has been fruitful.

Third, China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in social development have enjoyed robust growth.

Fourth, FOCAC has strengthened its institutional building.

At a time when the global financial crisis continues to affect developing countries, and global development imbalances become more pronounced, it is highly significant for China and Africa to come together to take stock of the follow-up activities of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and make plans for our cooperation in the next three years, said Yang.

The 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum opened in Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh Sunday morning.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and African heads of state or government from 49 countries attended the opening ceremony.

The conference, with the theme of "deepening the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership for sustainable development," will last for two days.

The main agenda of the meeting is to review the implementation of the follow-up activities of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the 3rd Ministerial Conference and explore new initiatives and measures on the way toward Sino-African cooperation in such areas of priority as human resources development, agriculture, infrastructure development, investment and trade.