Between January 9 and January 16, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang will accept invitations to go to Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin, Egypt, the headquarters of the African Union, and the headquarters of the League of Arab States, according to the country’s Spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
As China’s foreign minister, Qin is making his first abroad trip to Africa, according to Wang, who also noted that this is the 33rd year in a row that Africa has been the location of the first overseas journey for Chinese foreign ministers.
The continuation of this excellent tradition demonstrates China‘s commitment to strengthening its ties with Africa and its long-standing friendship, according to Wang.
China-African relations are currently thriving and entering a new phase of creating a high-level community with a shared future.
According to Wang, Qin will meet with the heads of state and foreign ministers of the five visiting nations as well as the chairwoman of the African Union Commission during his tour to discuss bilateral relations and global and regional topics of importance.
Wang said his country will work with Africa to implement the results of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation’s (FOCAC) Eighth Ministerial Conference and give the development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership new impetus. He noted that China will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith to enhance cooperation with Africa.
According to Wang, Qin will meet with the secretary-general of the Arab League during his trip to Egypt.
Wang stated that China is prepared to collaborate with Arab nations to create a China-Arab community with a shared future oriented to the new era, noting that the first China-Arab States Summit advanced China-Arab relations into a new era of comprehensive growth. On December 30, Qin Gang was appointed as the country’s new ambassador to the United States.