A senior official from the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday stressed the importance of Africa in China's foreign relations, and vowed to continue to promote youth exchanges between the two sides.

Jia Qinglin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with African guests for the second China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, which runs from June 18 to 20 in Beijing.

The influence of Sino-African relations is of broad and profound international significance, Jia said, adding the two sides should give better play to party-to-party relations as an exchange channel, and promote the Sino-African relations to a new high.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Jia cited the history of China-Africa friendship to note the important role played by youth exchanges in China and Africa's friendship.

He said the CPC and the Chinese Government always support youth exchanges between China and African countries. The Chinese side will continue to make joint efforts with African governments and political parties in this regard, in the hope that the Sino-African friendship will last for generations.

Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called on young people from China and African countries to learn more about the history of China and Africa's friendship, stick to the principles of sincerity, equality, mutual support and common development, and contribute to Sino-African cooperation.

He also called on young people to jointly promote south-south cooperation, maintain the interests of developing countries, promote democratization of international relations and make greater contribution for the world's long-lasting peace and common prosperity.

African leaders attending the ceremony spoke highly of opportunities brought by China's development. They said they will share experiences on national construction and learn from the CPC in state governance.

The opening ceremony was attended by African leaders including Sam Nujoma, the former president of Namibia; Pius Msekwa, vice chairman of the Revolutionary Party of Tanzania; Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, general secretary of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO); Wynter Kalimba, general secretary of the Patriotic Front of Zambia; and Collins Chabane, South African minister in the presidency.

Nearly 200 young leaders from China and 38 African countries will attend the forum, which is co-sponsored by the CPC and the SWAPO.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2012)