China’s FM confirms support to Africa’s economic autonomy, no political strings attached

China is all set to provide support to Africa in achieving economic autonomy and sustainable development. This is what Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a press conference during his visit to Ethiopia on January 3. He made the remarks following a meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

Wang Yi reiterated that the cooperation between China and Africa has always been a model not only for South-South cooperation but also for international cooperation with Africa. The country is all set to provide assistance to the African country to develop and bringing benefits to the African people, as reported by Xinhua.

According to Wang Yi, China has helped Africa in the past few decades in building over 10,000 kilometers of highways, hundreds of ports, airports, power stations including over 6,000 kilometers of railways. On the other hand, China has also pumped out immense funds in building schools, hospitals and in other varied projects concerning people’s livelihood have been built across many African countries.

China has sent more than 20,000 medical workers to Africa who have treated more than 200 million local patients. The East Asian country also invested heavily in manpower and material resources in order to help Africa train thousands of professional and technical personnel in various fields, Wang said.

Noting that China’s aid and cooperation to Africa have played an irreplaceable role in helping Africa’s economic and social development and the improvements of the welfare of African people, Wang emphasized that China's efforts have been appreciated and welcomed by many African countries.

China and Africa are close friends and good brothers who have shared weal and woes and China is willing to lend a helping hand to the African people to tide over difficult times. Wang also added that China has always respected the needs of the African people and the interests of African countries. He ensured that the assistance and cooperation China offered have no political strings attached.