Beijing, May 26, 2023 – African Ambassadors near Beijing have called on the People’s Republic of China to increase its investments and engagement with the Continent.
The Ambassadors believe China is crucial to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, launched in 2021.
The Dean of African Ambassadors to China, Cameroon’s Martin Mpana made the call in a joint statement delivered at programs marking Africa Day in Beijing Thursday.
Ambassador Mpana said China’s involvement in such hugely significant trade initiative is a step in the right direction for Africa’s economic integration and prosperity.
He lauded China for its increasingly constructive role in the continent’s development since the commissioning of the of Tazara railway in East Africa.
Thursday’s program brought together several top African and Chinese Diplomats including Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the Liberian Ambassador Dudley McKinley Thomas.
Meanwhile the African Union Ambassadors in China (GAAC) have lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping for his tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to Africa.
The Ambassadors said President Xi’s recent re-election is a result of his visionary leadership, guiding China to a successful eradication of poverty.
The Dean of African Ambassadors in Beijing, Martin Mpana said President Xi Jinping has further bolstered the Continent’s hopes, especially given his commitment to the realization of a high quality and strategic Africa-China partnership.
He also praised Chinese State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang for his recent tour of Africa, something he described as a powerful signal of China’s high consideration of the Continent.
The Ambassadors then invited China’s increased engagement in Africa’s quest for development, manifested in the African Union AGENDA 2063, a strategic framework that aspires towards achieving needed inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.