China is ready to enhance cooperation with all regional organizations in Africa so as to contribute to the integration and rejuvenation process of the continent, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng said in Beijing Thursday.

Lu made the remark at a press conference marking the release of China's African Policy Thursday morning.

Lu said China places importance on expanding cooperation with all the regional organizations in Africa. He said the priority areas set by the China-Africa Forum are in conformity with the goals of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), which include improving infrastructure, human resources development, poverty elimination, agriculture and grain security.

Lu said China has already appointed and sent representatives to the African Union (AU) and actively participated in AU's effort to maintain regional peace and stability. Lu said China has provided fiscal support for the AU to resolve the issue of Darfur.

China has also established links with other regional organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Economic Community of West African States and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Lu said China has dispatched representatives to the SADC and is in the process of a negotiation on setting up the China-SADC free trade zone.

The central bank of China, known as the People's Bank of China, has become a stake-holder in regional development banks in Africa, Lu said.

According to the newly released African policy paper, the Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with other countries and international organizations to jointly support the development of Africa and contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals in the continent.

Source: Xinhua