Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

In response to a question regarding China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to four African countries this week and China's view on the future development prospects of African nations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Chinese foreign ministers have made Africa their first destination for visits at the beginning of a year for 35 consecutive years, reflecting the enduring and revitalized traditional friendship between China and Africa, as well as China's consistent commitment to friendly cooperation with the continent. 

Guo noted that China has always believed that Africa is not a "forgotten continent," but a "source of vitality" and a "land of development."

Gou further pointed out that Africa contributes transformative power to global governance. Under the guiding of Pan-Africanism, African countries are accelerating their process of unity, self-reliance, and integrated development and revitalization, playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. Africa also provides significant momentum to the global economy. 

According to the African Development Bank Group, Africa's economic growth rate is expected to rise to 3.7 percent in 2024, surpassing the global average. Among the 20 fastest-growing economies worldwide, African nations will account for 10.

As one of the cradles of human civilization, Africa is the youngest continent, with 70 percent of its population under the age of 30, brimming with energy and hope. Guo emphasized that, in the face of unprecedented global changes, the Global South represented by China and Africa, is thriving and profoundly shaping the course of world history. A growing and thriving Africa will undoubtedly make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Global Times