Letters
Beijing, June 11, 2025- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, both sent congratulatory letters on Wednesday to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators concerning the implementation of follow-up actions from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The meeting, which took place in Changsha, capital of China’s Hunan Province, marks a milestone in the collaboration between China and Africa.
In his letter, President Xi emphasised that FOCAC has been instrumental in fostering robust China-Africa cooperation since its inception 25 years ago, serving as a model of solidarity and collaboration among Global South nations.
He reflected on the agreement reached during the FOCAC Beijing Summit in September 2024, where he and African leaders aligned on a six-point proposal aimed at advancing modernisation, as well as the implementation of ten partnership actions.
Xi noted that the efforts from both sides have already yielded substantial early achievements concerning the outcomes of the Beijing Summit.
He highlighted a consensus reached to launch the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which is expected to invigorate friendly cooperation between the two regions.
President Xi recognised the current global climate characterised by change and uncertainty, asserting that China is dedicated to providing new opportunities for the world through its impressive stride toward modernisation.
He expressed a commitment to supplying impetus to Global South partners, particularly in Africa, leveraging China’s vast market.
Furthermore, Xi announced that China is prepared to negotiate and finalise the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development agreement, which will implement zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for the 53 African nations maintaining diplomatic relations with China.
He also mentioned plans to facilitate exports for Africa’s least developed countries.
In supporting deeper cooperation, Xi emphasised the significance of joint initiatives in key areas, such as green industry, e-commerce, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.
He reiterated that openness and cooperation should guide future actions, aiming for outcomes that are mutually beneficial and aligned with the aspirations of both the Chinese and African people.
The Chinese President expressed hope that both nations would continue to advance the implementation of the Beijing Summit’s outcomes, collaboratively plan the future of FOCAC, and work towards establishing an all-weather China-Africa community that contributes to global peace and development.
In his letter, President Sassou Nguesso recognised the fruitful results of strategic and practical cooperation between Africa and China since the Beijing Summit.
As the African co-chair of FOCAC, he expressed his commitment to collaborating with President Xi to drive greater progress in their shared vision of a community with a shared future.
Nguesso further indicated the Republic of the Congo’s readiness to strengthen efforts in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, striving together with China and other Global South countries,
To build a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and promoting a new era of inclusive and mutually beneficial globalisation.
