China-Africa cooperation forum 2018 elevated to summit

China on Tuesday said that China agreed to elevate this year's Forum on China-African Cooperation (FOCAC) to a Summit based on South African President Jacob Zuma's proposal and the common aspirations of other African countries, adding that it is expected to further benefit global peace and development. 

Geng Shuang, spokesman of China's Foreign Ministry, made the remarks when commenting on the congratulatory messages Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged with his South African counterpart on Monday on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

China and South Africa are co-chairing the FOCAC. Since the inception of FOCAC in 2000, the Sino-Africa bilateral cooperation in many fields has blossomed thanks to goodwill and sincerity from both sides. 

"South Africa and other African countries have common aspirations of elevating the forum in 2018 to a summit. China has decided to host a Summit on China-African Cooperation in 2018 in accordance with the avid hope of African participants and the practical needs in the development of China-Africa relations," said Geng. 

Geng also said that the upcoming summit will work to propel global peace and stability. 

"In the context of profound and complex changes in the international situation, Chinese and African leaders will reunite in Beijing to jointly discuss their bilateral cooperation, outline its blueprint for the new era, work out major measures to guide their cooperation and development and promote their bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. This is beneficial to deepening the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership, realizing the win-win result of China-Africa cooperation and common development on a higher level and promoting south-south cooperation and global partnerships. This is a positive move to world peace, stability and development," said Geng.