Milestones in China-Africa Friendship

May 1956: Egypt becomes the first African country to establish diplomatic relations with China.

Late 1963-early 1964: Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visits 10 African countries, laying the groundwork for the development of China-Africa relations.

1970s: African countries support the People's Republic of China's efforts to restore its legitimate seat at the UN, formerly held by Kuomintang authorities in Taiwan.

May 1996: Chinese President Jiang Zemin visits Africa, making suggestions on building relations of long-term stability and all-round cooperation for the 21st century.

October 2000: The first ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is held in Beijing.

January 2006: The Chinese Government issues China's African Policy.

November 2006: Chinese President Hu Jintao puts forward a series of measures to promote China's ties with Africa at the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)

Excerpts From President Hu Jintao's Keynote Speech in Dar es Salaam China-Africa Cooperation

China is ready to have closer high-level exchanges with African countries and strengthen strategic dialogue through various consultation mechanisms.

China firmly supports the efforts of African countries, the African Union and other regional organizations to safeguard state sovereignty and independently resolve African issues.

China will continue to be actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and play a constructive role in promoting the exchanges of young people, women, non-governmental groups, media organizations and academic institutions of the two sides.

China will intensify cooperation with African countries in the UN, the World Trade Organization and other multilateral institutions to jointly address such global issues as climate change, food security, poverty alleviation and development.

China is ready to take part in the formulation of international economic, financial and trade rules and build a more equitable and reasonable international economic order together with African countries.

Addressing the Financial Crisis

We know full well the difficulties we face at home; we are also keenly aware of the difficulties faced by our African friends.

China will continue to increase assistance to Africa and cut debts owed by African countries as its ability permits.

China will expand trade and investment and strengthen practical cooperation with Africa. The Chinese Government encourages and supports the efforts of more established Chinese companies to invest in Africa, create more jobs for the local people and transfer more technologies to their African partners.

During times of adversity, it is all the more important for China and Africa to support each other, work in concert and overcome difficulties together.

The international community, and developed countries in particular, should assume due responsibilities and obligations, continue to deliver on aid and debt relief commitments, maintain and increase assistance to developing countries and effectively help them maintain financial stability and economic growth.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)

Agreements Signed During President Hu Jintao's African Tour

China will offer an additional 34 scholarships for Malian students to study in China and help train 65 Malian professionals. It will ensure the completion of 10 women and children's centers and provide medicine and medical facilities for a new malaria treatment center.

China and Mauritius agreed to speed up construction of the Tianli economic and trade cooperation zone. The $750-million project is expected to create jobs for some 34,000 people, while 8,000 will benefit from indirect jobs.

China will help build two agricultural schools in Mauritius and provide additional scholarships to increase the number of Mauritian students in China every year from 45 to 65.

China agreed to lend Mauritius $260 million to expand the nation's airport. The two countries also signed deals on China's extension of an interest-free loan of 40 million yuan ($5.9 million) as well as a 30 million yuan ($4.4 million) grant to Mauritius.

(Source: China Daily)