(Photo: CGTN)

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met nine African foreign ministers on the sidelines of the China-Africa Cooperation Coordinators meeting on Monday in Beijing.

Tuesday will be the second and final day of the meeting, which attempts to reach the goals of last September’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"Since the FOCAC was held, we have been actively implementing outcomes of the forum. The process of all-round cooperation has already begun," Wang introduced.

"China would like to host the next step in achieving the goals of the forum with a coordinators’ meeting with our African friends," Wang added.

Wang stressed how much China values its relationship with Africa, during his meetings with his counterparts from Tanzania, South Africa, Burundi, Benin, South Sudan, Zambia, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Liberia. Ministers exchanged views on deepening China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, as well as on other regional and international issues.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister Palamagamba Kabudi said he appreciates China’s contribution to the development of Tanzania, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy, cultural and education.

This is Kabudi’s first visit to China as Tanzanian Foreign Minister, also his first trip as foreign minister to other countries. “Among the countries which I consider, the most strategically important one to Tanzania is China,” Kabudi emphasized. 

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa will cooperate with China under the frame work of BRICS and actively participate in the 2019 China International Import Expo.

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cape Verde Luis Tavares said his government is looking to further deepen bilateral ties with China, and work together towards developing the Island’s marine economy.

Foreign Ministers from both South Africa and Benin praised China’s stance on multilateralism. “Multilateralism is the only right choice, especially for small African countries. Only in this way, can their voices be heard,” Beninese Foreign Minister Aurélien Agbenonci suggested.

Wang and his African counterparts also witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements after their bilateral meetings.