Wang Yi, a member of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to 18, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning.
In a statement released on Friday, Mao stated that the visit was designed to strengthen China-Africa cooperation.
He said this year will be another watershed moment in the history of China-Africa relations.
According to him:
“This is the 34th consecutive year that Africa has been the destination of Chinese foreign ministers’ annual first overseas visit.
“Wang’s visit to the four African countries will be the first time in 34 years that the Chinese foreign minister will make Africa his overseas destination at the start of the year.
“At the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue last year, President Xi Jinping made three proposals to support Africa’s industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, and talent development, which were well-received by Africa.
“This year, FOCAC will meet again. Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire are all China’s friendly cooperation partners.
“The purpose of the foreign minister’s visit is to implement the follow-ups to the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue and compare notes with the African side on the 2024 FOCA.
“The visit is also to carry forward the traditional China-Africa friendship and consolidate the momentum of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
