Asia

Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi and his First International Tour to African Countries

Goal of Trip: Promoting future collaboration and advancing mutual friendship

February 20th, 2019
Alessandra Angeloni, News from Berlin
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On January 2019 Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, was in Africa for his first international trip. The Minister travelled to Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Senegal. Wang Yi tour indicates the possibility to finally implement the decision reached at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China -Africa cooperation.

Additionally, Wang visit reaffirms China’s commitment to foster common development and mutual prosperity between the two countries. A new collaboration opportunity if we look at Africa, which is experiencing a relevant urban growth with the possibility to collaborate and taking advantages from China and its experience in development. 

“Wang's visit to Africa is a continuation of the tradition of Chinese foreign ministers choosing Africa for their first overseas trip of the year since 1991, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.”

Wang’s tour offers a chance to develop a solid communication with African countries. Meanwhile the President Xi Jinping announced the future vision between China and Africa and the willingness to implement eight major initiatives on the field of infrastructure connectivity, trace facilitation and green development in order to enhance future cooperation with Africa countries. As an example, Ethiopia represents one of China’s major partners. Relevant Chinese investment was secured, which helped has Ethiopia significantly in its textile industrial production.

During the entire duration of the tour Wang reiterates the willingness to promote leader cooperation with the final ultimate to coordinate their national policies.

References

News from Berlin