BEIJING-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus has arrived in Beijing, China, to join several African leaders to participate in the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, Chakwera was welcomed by Ms. Cao Shumin, Head of Administration for Radio, Television, and Film of the Chinese government, as well as other Chinese officials, Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Shifting and Malawian Ambassador to China Allan Chimtedza.
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, will preside over the official opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit.
FOCAC aims to gather China and African leaders to engage in high-level discussions focused on enhancing strategic communication and coordination, thereby reinforcing the foundation for the continued development of China-Africa relations, as stated in press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs
The 2024 forum, themed ” Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High- Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” will serve as a platform to promote mutual cooperation.
Leaders from numerous African countries and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission will lead delegations to the Summit, while ÜN Secretary- General António Guterres will attend as a special guest.
The conference is set to become an important event, pooling extensive consensus between China and African nations to address shared challenges and build a robust platform for development opportunities.
The 2024 FOCAC marks a significant opportunity for both sides to embark on a new journey toward modernisation, highlighting their commitment to strengthening ties and mutual collaboration.
As leaders gather in Beijing, China expresses its readiness to leverage this crucial moment to elevate the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future to unprecedented heights.
Together, China and Africa seek to send a powerful message to the global community about their commitment to participating in and leading the reform of the global governance system.
“Through our partnership, we can tackle challenges that transcend borders, ensuring that development opportunities are accessible to all,” said Chen Xiaodong, Vice Foreign Minister during a media briefing ahead of the summit.
China aims to foster a deeper understanding, cultivate affinity and strengthen the friendship between the peoples of China and Africa.
The summit is envisioned as a comprehensive dialogue that will enable African and Chinese leaders to collectively shape the future trajectory of international cooperation.
As the summit unfolds, participants will engage in discussions centered around economic development, sustainable growth, and strategies for enhancing trade and investment between China and Africa.
Established in 2000, the Forum serves as a partnership platform between China and 53 African states and has successfully occurred eight times since its inception, with the most recent edition held in 2021 in Dakar, Senegal