The opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ended after 50 minutes' opening remarks by three leaders from China and Africa at the Great Hall of the People Saturday morning.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister of Ethiopia that co- chairs the forum, and Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo that chairs the AU for the 2006 session, addressed the opening ceremony of the landmark summit.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan presided over the 50-minute opening ceremony.

Hu, 41 heads of state or government and senior officials of 48 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China, as well as representatives from regional and international organizations, attended the milestone gathering highlighting "friendship, peace, cooperation and development".

Prior to the opening ceremony, a grand welcoming ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People, and Chinese and African leaders put their signatures on the stamps commemorating the summit.

Also Saturday morning, the high-level dialogue and second conference of Chinese and African entrepreneurs opened at the Great Hall of the People.

In the evening, a welcoming banquet will be given at the Great Hall of the People to mark the summit, followed by a performing gala.

China National Radio, China Radio International and China Central Television (CCTV) live broadcast the opening ceremony, together with China's major new websites including www.xinhuanet. com.

The two-day summit has been widely acclaimed as the most important and largest diplomatic event between China and African leaders since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Source: Xinhua