Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on his traditional tour of Africa which has been ongoing for 34 years. The tour will begin on Saturday and will continue until January 18th. The four nations on his itinerary are Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast. After concluding his visit to Africa, he will then visit Brazil and Jamaica. This African tour is seen as a move by China to strengthen its relationships with Southern nations.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for Chinese diplomacy, emphasized the longstanding amicable partnerships with Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast, stating, “Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire are all friendly partners of China,” during her daily press briefing on Thursday evening.
Wang Yi adheres to a tradition established in 1991: the Chinese Foreign Minister’s inaugural trip of the year consistently begins in Africa, with a primary focus on preparations for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“At last year’s China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, President Xi Jinping proposed three new cooperation initiatives to support Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development, receiving enthusiastic responses from Africans,” Mao Ning reiterated.
The purpose of Minister Wang Yi’s visit is to coordinate the new session of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and solidify the momentum of unity and cooperation between China and Africa. This diplomatic undertaking underscores China’s commitment to fostering collaborative initiatives and strengthening its bonds with African nations.