Thapelo Sakoana
8 February 2007
Chinese President Hu Jintao says Chinese and African people are friends who should continue treating each other with mutual trust from generation to generation.
Hu, who is on a two-day state visit to South Africa, was speaking at the University of Pretoria on Wednesday.
He said that Africa and China had, over the past half a century, "supported each other in national liberation and maintained sincere co-operation in development and close co-ordination in international affairs."
He said the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which took place in Beijing in late 2006, had resolved to develop a partnership involving cultural exchange, political equality and mutual economic benefits.
Following that summit, the Chinese government announced eight major policy steps to enhance cooperation and promote development in Africa. These included expanding assistance to Africa, cancelling the debts of highly indebted poor countries, opening China's market to Africa and broadening social and economic relations.
Strengthening partnerships
Hu said close cooperation between China and Africa had focused international attention on peace and development in Africa, thus raising the standing of the continent in the international community.
"We should strengthen interaction between governments, parliaments, political parties and public groups to consolidate the political foundation of China-Africa friendship."
Hu said China would encourage its companies to "increase investment in Africa, provide technical and management training and help Africa develop processing and manufacturing industries so as to ease employment pressure and enhance competitiveness of exports."
There was also a need to strengthen cooperation in education, science, technology, public health, culture, sports and tourism.
Hu said his country was providing 2 000 scholarships for African students each year.
"Over 20 000 African students have studied in China on Chinese government scholarships, and their experiences have contributed to greater understanding and friendship between African and Chinese youths," he said.
He said about 260 Chinese students were enrolled at the University of Pretoria alone, a number he said would be doubled over the next three years.
"We should also support co-operation between cultural institutions, news media, academic groups and institutions of higher learning, and encourage the holding of cultural festivals, art performances and exhibitions."
Source: BuaNews
