As the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Ahmed Moallim Fiqi prepares his delegates and align Somalia’s priorities for 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing from 4th to 6th of September 2024, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E Chen Xiaodong held a press conference in Beijing on Friday to provide a brief insight into the coming forum and later answered few questions asked by the journalist who attended including Reuters, Xinhua, Bloomberg, and more others.
The Minister began by saying that the event will be inaugurated by the President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E Xi Jingping in Beijing, at the Great Hall of the People and it will last for three days, from 4th to 6th of Sep.
“On the 4th of September, the President and his Wife will receive and welcome the African leaders and host them with entertainment on the 4th before the beginning of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on the 5th,” Mr. Chen added.
The event which will discuss modernization and enhancement of China-Africa cooperation will be attended by leaders from Africa, the United Nations and other stakeholders and they will participate in several sessions co-chaired by the African leaders and the Chinese investors and officials.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will brief the media on the event (FOCAC) on the 5th when the event concludes that day as the Minister suggested.
Vice Minister Chen Xiaodong said that the FOCAC is known for a high-level China-Africa relations and cooperation and the coming one will be one of the biggest by far, unlike the former ones.
When Vice Minister Chen was asked about the relationship between China and Africa, he said that it will be discussed by both parties at the coming forum in length. “There will be new ways of cooperation discussed at the sessions of the FOCAC,” he added.
Mr. Chen was also asked about the restrictions that hindered the movements and trade, particularly ones like the Covid19. He replied saying, “the Covid19 restrictions have been lifted and things are back to normal”. He added that some announcements have been made regarding the restrictions and more shall be announced at the coming forum.
Another question from one of the journalists said, “what will China do about the wars and conflicts that are going on including the war in Palestine. Mr. Xiaodong said that China is maintaining close contact with the UN and are following the situation closely and that the forum will announce a positive measure, but the FOCAC is about the China-Africa cooperation.
The Vice Minister concluded by saying, “China and Africa will continue writing a new chapter in the mutual understanding, affinity and friendship”. The brotherhood between China and Africa is time-honored, time-tested and ever-stronger. The Summit will introduce a series of new cooperation initiatives to deepen mutual understanding, respect and affinity between the people of China and Africa, so that the China-Africa friendship will be passed on from generation to generation and the flower of China-Africa friendship will blossom with renewed brilliance.
