Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has told African leaders at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit to translate the agreements reached into concrete action that will be felt by African people.
Speaking at the closing of FOCAC which was hailed as a successful gathering between African Heads of State and China, Zuma said the declarations and action plans outlined the way forward for implementation.
“The announcements and agreements made here must translate to concrete action and outcomes that will be felt by our people,” Zuma said.
“In this regard, our implementation mechanisms should ensure that we see swift action and that effective monitoring and evaluation is undertaken.”
Zuma said Africa wished to achieve a united, prosperous and peaceful continent, a better Africa in a better world, and said FOCAC responded to these imperatives.
He said the announcement made by President Xi Jinping to the summit also responded to these imperatives. “We are obviously aligned and are on the same page for development,” he said.
“We have every reason to be upbeat about the future of the FOCAC partnership.”
President Xi committed $60-billion in investment and development aid to Africa at the start of FOCAC on Friday. He also announced a 10 point plan to industrialise Africa and build capacity for development.
In his final words to the Summit last night, Xi said no matter the political landscape, China and Africa will always be brothers and support each other. He said China shared a common goal and future with Africa and will remain a good brother of African countries.
“No matter if the world economic landscape fails, our fundamental goal of cooperation on development will not change,” he said. “China’s sustained development has created opportunities and brought prospects for African countries for their sustainable self-development.
“No matter what challenges may emerge, the fundamentals of China and Africa will not change.”
Xi expressed China’s readiness to stand in solidary with Africa to overcome all the risks and challenges and ensure an enabling international environment for the common good.
“We have successfully concluded all the major tasks, and the summit was conducted with the atmosphere of sincerity, trust, equality and win-win cooperation. The summit has been a resounding success,” he said.
Zuma thanked Xi for committing China’s military might to be used to support vulnerable countries. He said Africa looked forward to continuing to work with China to build peace in Africa.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane said the summit had exceeded expectations in achieving profound socio-economic change.