China’s new President Xi Jinping hailed the strength of ties with African nations on Monday, in a keynote speech given on his first trip as head of state to the continent.
Xi, calling Africa a ‘continent of hope and promise’ addressed leaders in Tanzania’s economic capital as ‘my dear friends’ and praised Beijing’s ‘sincere friendship’ with Africa.
‘Africa belongs to the African people,’ Xi said, speaking in a new conference hall built by China.
‘In developing relations with Africa, all countries should respect Africa’s dignity and independence,’ he added. Trade between China and Africa topped more than 200 billion last year, he added. Xi and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete signed 16 different trade, cultural and development accords after his arrival in Tanzania on Sunday, including the building of a Chinese cultural centre. He wraps up the African tour with a visit to Congo-Brazzaville.
Xi, calling Africa a ‘continent of hope and promise’ addressed leaders in Tanzania’s economic capital as ‘my dear friends’ and praised Beijing’s ‘sincere friendship’ with Africa.
‘Africa belongs to the African people,’ Xi said, speaking in a new conference hall built by China.
‘In developing relations with Africa, all countries should respect Africa’s dignity and independence,’ he added. Trade between China and Africa topped more than 200 billion last year, he added. Xi and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete signed 16 different trade, cultural and development accords after his arrival in Tanzania on Sunday, including the building of a Chinese cultural centre. He wraps up the African tour with a visit to Congo-Brazzaville.