A People's Bank of China (PBoC) statement on Friday said the African Development Bank will hold its 2007 annual meeting in Shanghai next May. 

China is confident of successfully holding the meeting through joining hands with the African Development Bank, the statement said.

Earlier this week, PBoC governor Zhou Xiaochuan refuted some media reports that China focuses on African resources instead of cooperation with the continent.

"The Chinese government attaches importance to the friendly, cooperative relations with African countries and supports the leading role the African Development Bank is playing in the African economy," said Zhou.

He said China and Africa enjoy complementary, mutually beneficial strategic ties.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2006)