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Joint Communiqué of the Third Round of Political Consultations between Chinese and African Foreign Ministers

Updated: Sep 23,2013 10:36 AM     fmprc.gov.cn

In accordance with the mechanism of regular political dialogue between Chinese and African Foreign Ministers set up at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2006, the Foreign Ministers of China and 40 African countries, or their representatives, and representative of the African Union (AU) Commission held their Third Round of Political Consultations in New York on 23 September 2013.

The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane of the Republic of South Africa and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China, as current Co-Chair countries of FOCAC. Delegates at the meeting strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place in Nairobi, capital of Kenya,on 21 September, and expressed their deep sympathy and firm support to the government and people of Kenya. They called on the international community to jointly combat terrorism in its various forms and support the efforts of African countries in maintaining peace and security.

Focusing on the theme of “implementing the outcomes of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC with a view to promoting the common development of China and Africa”, the Chinese and African sides had an in-depth exchange of views on strengthening coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, China-Africa cooperation on African peace and security, and seeking win-win cooperation between China and Africa. In this regard, the following consensus was reached:

1. The two sides commended FOCAC’s important contribution to consolidating China-Africa traditional friendship, deepening strategic trust, and promoting practical cooperation in various fields. They further agreed that the full and in-depth growth of China-Africa relations has served the fundamental and strategic interests of both sides, improved each other’s international standing and influence, and conformed to the underlying trend of the times toward peace, development and cooperation. They reaffirmed their readiness to continue developing the strategic role of FOCAC in guiding China-Africa relations, enriching the cooperation, and opening up new prospects for the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership.

2. The African side seized this opportunity to congratulate the new Chinese leadership elected in March 2013 and to commend it for its continued support for further strengthening China-Africa relations and cooperation. The African side also expressed its best wishes to the new leadership in its effort to complete the country’s socio-economic transformation and in pursuing the building of a moderately prosperous society in an environment of regional peace and security.

3. The two sides agreed that Chinese President XI Jinping’s choice of Africa as the destination of his first foreign trip in March 2013 reaffirmed the great importance that the Chinese side attaches to the growth of China-Africa relations. The visit further strengthened the traditional friendship, broadened and deepened the practical cooperation inherent in the partnership, and further elevated China-Africa relations.

4. The Chinese side expressed warm congratulations on the success of the AU Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU, and hailed the achievements made in the African integration process and the important role that the AU and Regional Economic Communities have played in this endeavour. The African side appreciated the Chinese side’s firm support for their efforts to seek strength through unity and realize sustainable development, growth and revitalization. The African side further thanked the Chinese side for placing great importance on the 50th Anniversary celebrations by sending a high-level delegation to the celebration activities. This emphasised the special nature of China-Africa relations and China’s long-standing friendship with and support for Africa. The two sides welcome the role played by the African Union Commission as a new member of the Forum.

5. The African side appreciated the new cooperation measures introduced by the Chinese government at the Fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in such priority areas as investment and financing, assistance, African integration, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security in Africa. It was agreed that these measures suit Africa’s needs for peace and development, will promote Africa’s infrastructure development, industrial and manufacturing capacity development as well as technology transfers to Africa, help to meet the objectives outlined in the NEPAD action plan of maintaining stability and promoting social and economic development and sustainable growth, and serve as important guidance for China-Africa cooperation in various fields

6. The two sides commended the progress being made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC and the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2013-2015), and reaffirmed the commitment to join hands in close collaboration for comprehensive and efficient implementation of all the outcomes to the benefit of the Chinese and African people.

7. The two sides noted that the international situation has undergone in-depth and complex changes, the trend toward a multi–polar world has gained momentum, and the reform process in global governance mechanisms is continuing. In a changing world, countries need to work for a new model of global development partnership that is equal and balanced. Therefore, it is of great strategic significance for China, the biggest developing country, and Africa, the largest group of developing countries, to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. In this regard, China and Africa need to further take due consideration of each other’s concerns and needs, and enhance communication and coordination on major international issues such as food security, climate change, and the WTO Doha Development Round negotiations.

8. The two sides maintained that the spirit of equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutually beneficial cooperation needs to be upheld in international relations. They reaffirmed their support for the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, advocated the peaceful settlement of international disputes and hot spot issues, and opposed the wilful use or threat of force and subverting other countries’ lawful governments.

9. The two sides expressed their support for necessary reforms of the UN. The Chinese side firmly supports Africa’s legitimate demands for redressing the historical injustice and taking an equal part in international affairs, and believes that priority should be given to increasing the representation and voice of African countries in the Security Council and other agencies of the UN.

10. The two sides noted that the global economic recovery remained slow and difficult. They reiterated their opposition to trade protectionism and abuse of trade remedy measures, and called for further improvement of the global financial regulation and supervision system. They urged developed economies to accommodate the concerns of other countries while pursuing their own interests, formulate responsible fiscal and monetary policies, earnestly enhance the oversight of the reserve currency issuing countries, and better maintain stability of the global economy and financial markets.

11. Appreciation was shown for the strides made by both sides toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but it was noted that Africa faces huge challenges still in meeting the MDGs in a timely manner. China and Africa called on the international community to stay committed to the MDGs and for developed countries to honour their commitments in financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity building, and to redouble their efforts to support African countries achieve development, poverty alleviation and the MDGs.

12. The two sides called for prudent advancement of the post-2015 development agenda based on a comprehensive review of the progress in the MDGs and full consideration of different national conditions, and agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation on the post-2015 development agenda.

13. The two sides noted the remarkable progress in the situation of Africa and the outstanding achievements Africa has made in its economic and social development in the new century. However, Africa is facing growing challenges in peace and security, with hot spot issues flaring up from time to time which have affected stability in some parts of the Continent. The African side called for serious attention to be given to post-conflict peace building mechanisms and reconstruction, including youth unemployment and gender mainstreaming.

14. The two sides maintained that efforts should be made to strike a balance between peace, security, stability and development in order to deal with the root causes of conflicts. It is important to take a holistic approach to address both the symptoms and root causes of hot spot issues and to persevere with dialogue and negotiations in settling regional disputes. Africa belongs to the African people. The international community should respect the leading role of African countries, the AU, and Regional Economic Communities in settling Africa’s problems, offer constructive assistance to Africa on hot spot issues, and oppose external forces interfering in Africa’s internal affairs for their own interests.

15. The Chinese side commended the efforts of African countries, the AU and Regional Economic Communities to independently resolve regional conflicts and maintain regional peace and stability, endorsed the AU’s policies for enhancing the development of a culture of peace in Africa, and expressed support for the AU’s efforts in accelerating capacity building for a fast response capability to emergencies.

16. The Chinese side will continue to deepen cooperation with African countries, the AU and Regional Economic Communities in securing peace and security in Africa, work with the African side to implement the “Initiative on China-Africa Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Security” put forth at the Fifth FOCAC Ministerial Conference, continue to engage in the mediation and resolution of African hot spot issues, give support and assistance to Africa in improving its capability of maintaining peace and security and promote the development of the “Africa Peace and Security Architecture”. The Chinese side will continue to send peacekeeping personnel to Africa under the UN framework, including dispatching peacekeeping personnel to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. These commitments were welcomed and appreciated by the African side.

17. China and Africa regard each other’s development as opportunities for their respective advancement and they will enhance cooperation toward common development and prosperity.

18. China-Africa business cooperation has contributed to the economic and social development of both sides and China’s assistance to and investment in Africa continues to significantly enhance Africa’s development. China and Africa will further expand their business cooperation and improve their trade mix in order to promote balanced trade and increase Africa’s value-added exports. The Chinese side will continue to increase assistance to and investment in Africa to support industrial development and diversification, regional integration, sustainable development and growth in an innovative manner for win-win results.

19. The Chinese side noted the pressing demand of the African side to turn its advantage in resources into strength for growth and accelerate its agricultural development and industrialization process. The Chinese side will follow through on the commitment of providing a US$20 billion credit line to Africa, increase investment in Africa’s agriculture, agro-processing, and manufacturing industry, and help Africa achieve food security, raise the value addition of its exports, boost employment and realize sustainable and inclusive development.

20. China and Africa will enhance the sharing of experience in governance, especially in development, and expand their cooperation on human resources development. The Chinese side will follow through on the commitment of implementing the African Talents Programme to train 30,000 professionals in various fields for Africa, step up the transfer and localisation of advanced and applicable technologies to African countries, and help African countries enhance their capacity for independent development.

21. The Chinese side will continue to deepen cooperation with African states, the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and the NEPAD Agency to promote connectivity and integration, and by making good use of the platform of the China-Africa Cooperative Partnership in Trans-national and Trans-regional Infrastructure Development in Africa, reinforce communication and coordination between the joint working groups, to bring about greater efficiency, and help Africa unleash its development potential. The African side welcomes the continued investment by China in infrastructure development and notes the additional benefits in this regard as this will develop businesses in Africa, create jobs and enhance managerial skills.

22. The two sides reaffirmed that they will continue to strengthen consultation and coordinate positions on China-Africa relations and major international and regional issues of common interest through bilateral frameworks and multilateral mechanisms, including the political consultations between Chinese and African Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly sessions.