By Amin Kef Sesay
The Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, while attending a ceremony with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to witness the completion of the Chinese-built, Kipevu Oil Terminal (KOT) upon invitation in his statement said:
“Every country should be entitled to development and progress, and every nation should have the opportunity to realize their dreams. The 21st century is not only a century for Asia but also for Africa. The 2.7 billion Chinese and African people, working together to achieve modernization, will constitute the most glorious chapter in the history of human civilization.”
Wang further stressed that China has always called on the international community to pay more attention to Africa maintaining that it welcomes other countries, especially developed countries, to actively participate in Africa’s development process.
“Africa should be a big stage for international cooperation, not an arena for competition among major countries,” he postulated furthering how if there is any competition, it should be a competition of who has done more for Africa, who has contributed more to Africa, and who has worked more for the African people.
He also stated that China is ready to join hands with all countries with goodwill towards Africa in making new contributions to an even brighter future for Africa.
From January 4 to 7, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an official visit to Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros.
It must be noted that it is now the 32nd consecutive time for Chinese foreign ministers to start their year-round overseas visits with a trip to Africa. Since 1991, Africa has been the destination for Chinese foreign ministers’ first overseas visit, heralding a new year of foreign exchanges.
That fine tradition of China’s diplomacy has been going on for 31 years rain or shine fully demonstrating the priority China gives to China-Africa relations, the growing profound friendship between China and Africa, and China’s firm support for Africa’s seeking strength through unity, development and revitalization.
Such, he said, has been applauded by their African friends and the rest of the international community.
