China and Africa have sent a unified message to the world in upholding multilateralism, injecting strong positive energy into international order, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sept 5.

African countries agreed with China at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in opposing unilateralism and that the United Nations plays a core role in international affairs, Wang said during a group interview.

Wang hailed the summit as “fruitful” and “a full success” and said one of its important outcomes is that China and Africa agreed to build an even stronger community of shared future.

African leaders all gave a thumbs-up to President Xi Jinping’s proposal of building a new type of international relations and pushing economic globalization toward more mutually beneficial and inclusive outcomes, Wang said.

African countries joined in the Belt and Road Initiative because they see it as providing new opportunities for the development and revitalization of the continent, Wang said.

“Clearly, China-Africa friendship conforms to the unstoppable historical trend, as African countries consider China a trusted partner,” Wang said. He added that the FOCAC has become a banner for South-South cooperation and guided the direction of international cooperation with Africa.

Many African leaders rebutted unfounded and irresponsible claims about China-Africa friendship and expressed their gratitude for China’s efforts in assisting the development of their countries, Wang said. He added that they all look forward to an even more promising relationship with China.

Xi announced eight major initiatives on China-Africa cooperation in the coming three years or beyond that cover industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, and green development, peace and security.

Wang said these initiatives are greatly welcomed by African countries because they suit the needs of their development.