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African dignitaries hail China-Africa cooperation

China.org.cn, August 28, 2015

• Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, secretary general of the Africa Society, talks to China.org.cn in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province on Aug. 26, 2015. [Photo/China.org.cn]

  On Wednesday, high-ranking African officials in Yiwu told China.org.cn that they are seeing great potential in Chinese and African cooperation and have never perceived China as a threat.

  Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, secretary general of the Africa Society, said they supported China's proposal of the "Belt and Road" initiative, but better preparations are needed to cast away the doubt surrounding accusations that China only seeks to grab resources from Africa.

  "There should be a better explanation for African countries and the outside world. Much work has been done in recent months and years, however, still more is needed to show just how the Silk Road initiative will not only benefit China, but also the world. It's also a very significant chance for China and Africa to enhance their cooperation."

  Haggag attended the 4th China-Africa People's Forum held in Yiwu ineast China's Zhejiang Province. Around 200 political leaders, dignitaries, NGO representatives, members of think-tanks, media agents from nearly 30 African countries, as well as representatives from the United Nations Development Program and the African Union all attended the event. Chinese representatives from the government, NGOs, think-tanks, businesses and media communities also participated in the forum.

  Haggag also praised China's efforts in helping Africa fight Ebola as China sent doctors and nurses to the nations experiencing outbreak and vowed to help them with "post-Ebola" construction. "I see many Chinese people and companies doing business in Africa and they care more for workers' health, education and the environment," he said.

  Ban Ki-moon, secretary-general of the United Nations, sends a video message congratulating the 4th China-Africa People's Forum held in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province on Aug. 26, 2015. [Photo/China.org.cn]

  Hifikepunye Pohamba, former president of Namibia, said, "Chinese leaders always said they would love to help us, and they did what they said they would do. China has always been a friend in need and a friend indeed." He said the Chinese government has provided technological support for African countries to explore local resources when they lack adequate technology and Chinese businessmen have brought good commodities for local people.

  "Cooperation between China and Africa will not be weakened but will become stronger," he said. "With China’s rise, one-fifth of the world’s population will rise. Some people are worried, but not us. In history, China has provided help and support for the African independent movement, and now China will become a force and power to maintain world peace and accelerate global development. China is one of Africa’s partners and we can all have a win-win result."

  "How can China be worrying, and who is afraid of China?" Pohamba asked.

  Yonas Adaye Adeto, associate academic director of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University, said China was a center of gravity attracting young African people as both China and Africa try to build a community of shared interests.

  "It's not only because of China’s technology or talents, but also because of the path of peaceful development that the country has stuck to for thousands of years," Adeto said.

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