The young representatives and Chinese volunteers pose for a photo at the Great Wall on April 17. [Photo by Liu Caiyi/China.org.cn]

The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival commenced on Monday in Beijing, bringing together 54 young representatives from across Africa.

The event was organized in accordance with the consensus reached by leaders of China and African countries at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015. It aims to promote exchanges between Chinese and African youth, continue the traditional friendship between China and Africa, and cultivate a new generation of young individuals who will contribute to the China-Africa relationship.

Fang Xinwen, deputy director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, stated that since its inception in 2016, the event has been successfully held six times, playing an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and African youth.

In the morning, the young representatives toured the historical displays and courtyard at the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, immersing themselves in the vivid presentation of the life and deeds of this great statesman and patriot.

"Soong's selfless and humanitarian spirit is a shared legacy for people in China and beyond," said Francis George Woodcock, a youth representative from Seychelles, adding, "and China's long history and culture fascinate me."

The young representatives visited the Great Wall in the afternoon to experience China's magnificent scenery.

Tarek El Khouly, vice-chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives, said, "China is a wonderful country and this is the fourth time I have climbed the Great Wall. Every time I come to the Great Wall, it makes me think of the amazing builders. I think many advanced technologies and development models from China can be introduced to Egypt. I hope there will be more exchange activities between China and Egypt. In my opinion, China has not only a long history but also a wonderful present, and I believe that in the future, China will remain one of the best countries in the world."

The 7th China-Africa Youth Festival will run from April 16 to 23. During the eight-day festival, the representatives will visit enterprises and tourist attractions in Beijing and Shandong province in east China and communicate with Chinese youth delegates. The event is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and Shandong Provincial People's Government. Through field trips and mutual exchanges, the participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of China and contribute to strengthening China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

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