Premier Wen ends successful Africa tour

Premier Wen Jiabao wrapped up his seven-nation Africa tour yesterday, a journey Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said would have a profound impact on future China-Africa relations.

The premier's trip has achieved the goal of "deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, expanding economic co-operation and seeking common development" between China and Africa, Li told reporters as the tour concluded yesterday.

"More than 80 activities took place during Wen's eight-day trip," said Li, who accompanied Wen on the trip.

A total of 71 documents and agreements on politics, trade, infrastructure, health, education and science and technology were signed between China and the seven African countries, he added.

Wen travelled to Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda for official visits. He is the third high-level Chinese official to visit Africa in less than six months after President Hu Jintao and Li.

Wen stressed during his visit that China followed a policy of non-interference in other countries' affairs in handling relations with African countries, and rejected accusations that Beijing's diplomatic activities on the continent were aimed at countering other countries' influence.

As for China-Africa co-operation, Wen said on various occasions that the priority should be given to meeting the practical needs of African countries.

On the last leg of his tour in Kampala, Wen assured Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni that China will take measures to increase imports from Uganda and encourage more Chinese companies to invest in the country.

During talks with the Chinese premier, Museveni said Uganda is one of the beneficiaries of China's development. "China's growth means opportunities for Africa instead of a threat as some preached," he said.

Museveni welcomed the issuance of "China's Policy to Africa" early this year, and expressed his appreciation of China's readiness to establish and develop a new type of strategic partnership with Africa featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic co-operation and cultural exchanges.

The two leaders also expressed readiness to conduct closer consultation and co-operation in international affairs, work together to uphold the rights and interests of developing countries and promote global prosperity and development.

Before leaving Kampala, Wen visited the Infectious Disease Institute of Mekerere University in the capital and talked with the AIDS patients there on Saturday.

Rosy China-Africa relations have boosted trade 40-fold since 1990 to nearly US$40 billion last year. China's direct investment in Africa had reached US$1.18 billion by the end of last year, with more than 800 Chinese enterprises in the continent, according to the statistics from the Ministry of Commerce.

In addition, China has given US$5.5 billion in assistance to Africa, sent 16,000 health workers to 43 different countries on the continent and reduced or cancelled the debt of 31 nations over the past 50 years.

It has also promised steps to expand economic and trade ties and help Africa by offering zero-tariff treatment for some exports and increased aid and debt relief, while at the same time helping to build infrastructure.

Source: China Daily