Xi proposes to lift China-Africa ties to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during a welcome banquet for the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dec 3, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

JOHANNESBURG - China proposes that the new type of the China-Africa strategic partnership be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, President Xi Jinping said Friday at the opening of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China and Africa have always been a community of common destiny, with the same historical experiences and the same course of struggle having made the two peoples forge profound friendship, said Xi.

Xi also pointed out that Africa's rapid development is exciting and encouraging and the momentum of the continent's independence is irresistible.

Africa is actively exploring a development path in line with its own conditions and pursuing an African way to address African issues.

The momentum of Africa's rapid development is irresistible, Xi said, noting that African countries are accelerating industrialization and seeking independent and sustainable development.

The momentum of African unity and self-renewal is also irresistible, said the Chinese president, stressing that the continent is speeding up integration process and speaking with one voice on the international stage.

The second summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the 15-year history of FOCAC was kicked off Friday.