International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says the time has come for China and Africa to make FOCAC a transformative tool to change the lives of people and future generations for the better.
Speaking at the Luncheon of the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), in Beijing, China, on Sunday, Sisulu said they need to utilise FOCAC as an important mechanism to strengthen efforts to address the various emerging challenges besetting the world today, specifically the rising nationalistic ethos, populism, unilateralism, protectionism and the emergence of global trade wars.
“I believe that Africa as a continent on the rise, has a lot to learn from the Chinese experience and that FOCAC, as a platform for our continued closer cooperation, provides us with an opportunity to share these experiences to chart a path for Africa’s sustainable development and future prosperity.
“We have seen the successes of this relationship; with African countries becoming more integrated and connected through thecontinued assistance of the People’s Republic of China.
“We also continue to see an increase in exchanges of business people, students, academics and scientists between China andour various African countries, which not only contributes to the development of skills but also validates further the enormous value of our relationship,” Sisulu said.
She said the Beijing Declaration and Action Plan (2019-2021) that both countries have adopted and proposed for the Summit’s consideration are a further true reflection of the growing comprehensive strategic bonds of friendship between them.
“We believe that we should continually strengthen these bonds through the sustained deepening of political and economic relationswithin the China-Africa FOCAC framework,” the Minister said.