Wang Yi's First Overseas Visit in 30 Years as China's Foreign Minister is to 'Africa'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of diplomacy, has continued the practice of choosing Africa as his first overseas destination of the new year for 30 years. He mentioned the friendship between China and Africa as the background for this tradition.

On the 13th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its website that State Councilor Wang chose Africa as his first destination again this year, visiting Egypt, Burundi, and Zimbabwe. Wang's annual first visit to Africa has been a tradition for 30 years.

On the 12th (local time), in Harare, Zimbabwe, Wang held a joint press conference with Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo, stating, "China has not changed its original intention and has chosen Africa as its first overseas visit for 30 years." He explained the background by saying, "The friendship between China and Africa has a long history. It is based on traditional friendship and a special bond forged through shared hardships."

Wang emphasized that China and Africa share a practical need to deepen cooperation and common development. He said, "China is the largest developing country, and Africa is the continent with the most developing countries. We are natural partners with unlimited potential for cooperation. In recent years, we have held the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and achieved results such as the joint construction of the 'Belt and Road' project."

He added, "China and Africa must strengthen international cooperation to safeguard common interests. Living in an era where unilateralism is rampant and Cold War mentality prevails, developing countries including Africa have suffered greatly. China and Africa need to unite, raise a common voice, and protect their legitimate rights."

Regarding the achievements of China-Africa cooperation so far, Wang stated that in the livelihood sector, China has built more than 130 medical facilities, 45 gymnasiums, and over 170 schools in Africa. Also, in the past five years, China has trained 200,000 talents in Africa, and the railways and roads constructed by China in Africa have each exceeded 6,000 km. Last year, bilateral trade volume surpassed 200 billion dollars, making China Africa's largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.