Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing the initiative as a landmark step in strengthening the long-standing friendship between China and Africa.
In his message, President Xi noted that launching the Year of People-to-People Exchanges coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries. He said the initiative reflects an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides and represents a new starting point for consolidating public support for China–Africa relations.
Xi emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for human progress, world peace and development. He highlighted that the great civilizations of China and Africa have interacted and enriched each other for thousands of years, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of China–Africa friendship.
The Chinese president called on both sides to seize the opportunities presented by the commemorative year to carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen mutual learning among civilizations, and expand people-to-people exchanges, particularly among young people. He also encouraged closer exchanges of governance experience and enhanced cooperation in advancing modernization.
According to Xi, these efforts will help strengthen bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, uniting their aspirations and collective strength. He added that deeper people-to-people ties would enable both sides to make fresh contributions to Global South solidarity, jointly address global challenges, uphold common values of humanity, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
The 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is expected to feature a wide range of activities across education, culture, tourism, media, youth engagement and governance cooperation, further reinforcing the social foundations of China–Africa relations.
