Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has explained why Africa will continue to seek China’s friendship and partnership for economic development.
Obasanjo spoke on behalf of the InterAction Council during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), at the 70th anniversary of the association in Beijing on Friday.
According to a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, his media assistant, Obasanjo said Chinese cooperation with Africa has not only advanced infrastructural development but also facilitated the transfer of technology and the exchange of personnel.
“The development is already showcasing it as a successful example of people-to-people diplomacy,” he said.
“China and Africa share a deep foundation of cooperation and exchange in areas such as economy, culture, and education.
“China is an important economic partner for Africa, and our cooperation has not only advanced infrastructure development but also facilitated the transfer of technology and the exchange of personnel.
“Sino-African relations have deepened over the years, particularly in the last twenty years during which China has become Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner.
“For us in Africa, China offers not only an opportunity for shared prosperity but also inspiration for our growth.
“China’s successful lifting of over 800 million people out of poverty in forty years is a shining example of what is possible when leaders set their minds on changing the fortunes of their people for the better.
“Africa will continue to seek China’s friendship and partnership as we aspire to lift our people out of poverty.”
