Ivory Coast VP Addresses Chinese University, Bolsters Africa-China Relations
The event underscores China's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with African nations through cultural and educational exchanges, as well as economic cooperation.
BEIJING — Ivory Coast Vice President Thiemoko Meliette Kone delivered a keynote speech at the Communication University of China (CUC) on Wednesday, emphasizing centuries-old ties between Africa and China while accepting an honorary professorship, writes AfricaBrief Reporter.
The visit, coinciding with the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen Sino-African relations.
Kone, accompanied by several Ivorian ministers and diplomats, stressed the importance of the upcoming FOCAC action plan for 2025-2027.
"The plan will inject new impetus into China-Africa relations in the next three years," Kone said.
"It will consolidate people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, help us jointly address global challenges, and contribute to more equitable international governance."
The vice president's visit to CUC comes as thousands of African politicians, technocrats, and non-state actors gather in Beijing for the FOCAC Summit from Sept. 4-6. Leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Cameroon, South Sudan, and Uganda are among those meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During his address, Kone traced the history of African-Chinese relations, noting, "Since the 15th century, local Chinese have made important contributions to Africa's cultural diversity and mutual integration."
He also highlighted China's support for African nations in their struggle against colonialism and the establishment of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in 2000, which he said "has injected new vitality into China-Africa relations."
University officials, including Party Secretary Liao Xiangzhong and President Zhang Shuting, welcomed the Ivorian delegation. Chinese and African students waved the national flags of both countries during the ceremony.
The event underscores China's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with African nations through cultural and educational exchanges, as well as economic cooperation.
These efforts come as China seeks to expand its global influence and secure strategic partnerships in Africa.
The FOCAC Summit and related events like Kone's university visit reflect the growing importance of Africa-China relations in areas including trade, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
As both sides look to deepen their partnership, such high-level engagements are likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of Sino-African cooperation.