Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech themed "walk together towards prosperity" at the opening ceremony of the High-level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives as well as the Sixth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- China supports African countries in jointly building the Belt and Road to share the win-win outcomes, said President Xi Jinping Monday when addressing the High-Level Dialogue Between Chinese and African Leaders and Business Representatives.
China stands ready to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with African countries to build a road of high-quality development that is suited to national conditions, inclusive and beneficial to all, Xi said in his keynote speech at the meeting, also the Sixth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs.
Realizing common prosperity for the people of all nations, including African people, is an important part of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said in his speech themed "walk together towards prosperity."
"Africa is an extension of the Belt and Road development historically and naturally and an important participant in the initiative," Xi said.
China does not attach any political strings to its investment in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative, nor does it interfere in African countries' internal affairs or impose its demands on others, Xi noted.
The China-Africa cooperation under the initiative targets inadequate infrastructure and other key constraints on Africa's development, "with funds to be used where they count most," Xi said.
He said China and Africa's joint development of the Belt and Road completely follows established international rules, and China is ready to strengthen third-party cooperation with any country that has the capability and the intent.
China encourages and supports two-way investment, does not pursue trade surplus and is willing to create conditions for expanding import, Xi said.
China welcomes entrepreneurs worldwide, including those from Africa, to invest and develop in China and encourages Chinese entrepreneurs to explore and develop business in Africa, so as to jointly promote the Belt and Road, Xi said.
He asked Chinese and African entrepreneurs to grow together with the people of China and Africa, jointly making great achievements.
Xi also urged entrepreneurs to seize this historic opportunity for innovation, learn from each other and create new ways to cooperate.
Entrepreneurs should also shoulder social responsibility, respect local cultural customs and serve as a bridge for China-Africa friendship in the process of economic cooperation, Xi said.
"China is willing to work hard side by side with our African brothers to share the fruits of development and together set foot on a path of happiness where people live a better life," Xi said.
African leaders also delivered speeches at the meeting, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Namibian President Hage Geingob and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Noting that the ten cooperation plans announced at the 2015 Johannesburg summit of the FOCAC have given a strong impetus to comprehensive economic and social development in Africa, these leaders said the Belt and Road Initiative aligns with the economic development projects of African countries.
The African leaders also expect deep engagement in Belt and Road development via the Beijing summit and to work with China to build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.
Representatives of both Chinese and African businesses expressed their willingness to actively participate in the Belt and Road cooperation and contribute to the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future.