Photo taken on Nov. 22, 2021 shows wind turbines of the De Aar wind power project invested by China's Longyuan Power and its South African partners in De Aar, South Africa.Photo:Xinhua

China has always maintained that Africa should be a stage for international cooperation rather than an arena for power games, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Senegalese President Macky Sall in Dakar on Sunday local time, adding that China will always be the most sincere and reliable partner of Africa's revitalization.

In response to Wang's remarks, the president said that China's just and inclusive global governance is fully in line with the common interests of developing countries including those in Africa, and that Senegal expects China to play a leading role in the international community to continue to support the African people, according to a statement on the website of Chinese foreign ministry. 

The two sides met after Wang arrived in Dakar on late Sunday night to attend this year's Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to Sall, and said that China is willing to strengthen ties with Senegal in various fields and support the revitalization plan of the country. 

The top Chinese diplomat noted that the FOCAC has become a flagship for a win-win cooperation among developing countries and a model of South-South cooperation, and China will resolutely fulfill its commitment that its votes at the United Nations will always belong to developing countries and stand firmly with African partners to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the developing world. 

Sall recognized the fruitful results achieved between the two sides under the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that the practical cooperation between China and Senegal has profoundly changed the outlook of the country and effectively enhanced the competitiveness of its economy.

The selfless aid that China gives to Africa has fully shown their brotherhood and bond, Sall said. He added it is time that the unjust international order be changed, where the destiny of African countries can be held in their own hands. He expects China to continue playing its leading role in the international arena and help Africa on its revitalization.

In speaking with the Senegalese Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall on the same day, Wang said that China will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Senegal and support its construction of a vaccine production base. China is willing to work with Senegal in vaccine research and development, and virus detection. 

Aissata thanked China for providing all-round, strong support that gave a powerful thrust to Senegal's economic recovery. Senegal firmly upholds the one-China principle, and supports China's actions in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

Both sides wished the upcoming FOCAC meeting a complete success.

Global Times