80) China - Africa cooperation: Forum declaration and Plan of Action

Declaration of Sharm El Sheikh of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
November 12, 2009

We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers in charge of economic cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and 49 African countries, met in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 8 to 9 November 2009 for the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC).

We applaud the convening of the 4th Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, under the leadership of H.E. Hosny Mobarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and H.E. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and in the presence of Their Excellences the Heads of State and Government and leaders of 17 African countries.

For the purpose of “deepening the new type of China-Africa Strategic Partnership for sustainable development”, we, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of the follow-up actions to the Beijing Summit of the Forum, and agreed that the set goals had been accomplished. We also discussed the ways and means to further deepen China-Africa relations under new circumstances.

We are pleased to note that, thanks to joint efforts of the two sides, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has grown in strength and showed great vigor and vitality over the past nine years since its inception. It is particularly noteworthy that a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges was established at the successful Beijing Summit of the Forum, making it a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations.

We solemnly reiterate the spirit of the Beijing Summit of the Forum and believed that the principles it set out will provide long-term guidance for the growth of China-Africa relations and steer the relations forward.

We hold that the international situation, while on the whole being stable, is complex and volatile. The world is still gripped by the economic recession triggered by the global financial crisis. Global concerns, represented by food security, the energy issue, climate change, and the need to prevent and control major diseases, are getting more acute, and destabilizing factors and uncertainties are notably on the rise in the international political, economic and other fields. Climate change in particular is having a devastating effect on many countries and regions across the world and urgently requires solutions.

The effect of the financial crisis on developing countries is still spreading. In particular, the grave consequences of the crisis on the African economies, fragile as they are, may be further felt, making it more difficult for African countries to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals.

We believe that the international community particularly developed countries should pay special attention to the negative impact of the crisis on developing countries, particularly African countries, and further efforts should be made in order to mitigate those effects. Therefore, effective measures should be implemented by the developed countries, in order to fulfill their commitments on aid, debt relief, promoting and increasing investment, opening up and accessing market, and assisting developing countries to promote economic growth in order to achieve sustainable development. In this context, we call on the developed countries to further assist African countries to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. In particular, we recommend that specific actions be taken in favour of island, least developed and landlocked states.

We call on all countries to, as an effective response to the current challenges and threats, act under the principles of multilateralism and democracy in international relations to increase communications, respect and support each other, make the international order more just and equitable, and promote harmonious development and common prosperity of the world.

We reaffirm the need for strengthening the role of the United Nations through inter alia, its reform and, as a matter of priority, increasing the representation of African countries in the Security Council and other UN agencies.

We also express our appreciation for the Chinese support to the African just and fair causes in the international fora, particularly in the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations.

We call for reform of the international financial system to ensure its development in a fair, just, inclusive and orderly manner, and for increasing the representation and voice of developing countries therein.

We oppose protectionism in all its forms, and stand to uphold an open and free trade and investment environment.

We will continue to advance the Doha Round of trade negotiations on the basis of observing the negotiation mandate, sticking to the Development Agenda and respecting the existing outcomes, and call for a successful conclusion of these negotiations in 2010 with the attainment of the development goals and the reflection of the interests and concerns of developing countries, including African countries, in the outcome.

We underline in particular African countries’ urgent need for stronger capacity to adapt to climate change and support their legitimate right in combating climate change.

The African countries are greatly encouraged by China’s sustained, steady and fast economic growth, appreciate the significant actions taken by China in response to the financial crisis, and believe that these actions have not only contributed to stabilizing the world economy but also helped the African economy towards achieving recovery and growth.

China applauds Africa’s endeavor and achievement in strengthening governance, resolving regional conflicts, advancing poverty relief and development, and speeding up the integration process.

China is concerned with the difficulties Africa has encountered as a result of the global financial crisis and believes that the world should not overlook the issue of development while tackling the crisis.

China reaffirms its support for African countries in their efforts to strengthen themselves through unity and independently resolve Africa’s problems. It appreciates the positive role of African countries, the African Union (AU) and other regional and sub-regional organizations in this regard, and supports African countries in the process of African regional integration and development being conducted under the African Union, the “New Partnership for Africa’s Development” (NEPAD), and the Regional Economic Communities.

The two sides hold that the decades-long cooperation between China and Africa has produced fruitful results and delivered considerable benefits to their peoples. It is a good example of South-South cooperation. To further deepen the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership of political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges under the new circumstances, we will:

— Make the most of their consultation mechanisms at various levels and through multiple channels to strengthen strategic dialogue, expand common ground and deepen cooperation in multilateral institutions, so as to uphold the common interests of developing countries.

— Increase high-level visits, enhance political mutual trust and strengthen communication and coordination between China and Africa on major issues.

— Maintain unity and mutual support to jointly tackle the challenges brought by the global financial crisis and make sure that Africa’s endeavor to achieve the Millennium Development Goals will not be reversed.

— Expand mutual benefit and upgrade the level of China-Africa practical cooperation. The two sides will encourage and promote two-way trade and investment, diversify ways of cooperation, and strengthen collaborative efforts in such priority areas as poverty relief, environmental protection, human resources training and capacity-building, and information and communications technologies. In particular, specific attention is needed on the critical sectors of infrastructure, agriculture and food security.

— Broaden exchanges and deepen people-to-people and cultural cooperation. Efforts will be made to promote exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, medical and health care, sports, tourism and other fields, and forge closer ties among the young people, women, non-governmental organizations, media organizations and academic institutions of the two sides with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and African peoples.

— Strengthen coordination and work together to enhance the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and promote its sustainable development. In light of the needs of the two sides and changed circumstances, China and Africa will steadily improve the mechanisms of the Forum, enrich its contents, identify reasonable targets, make the best use of the leading role of the Forum in driving forward China-Africa relations, and ensure successful implementation of the follow-up actions to the Forum.

— China pledges to work within its ability to further scale up aid to Africa, cut and cancel debt owed by African countries, expand investment in Africa, further open China’s market and strengthen practical cooperation with Africa.

— African countries welcome China’s commitments and expressed readiness to enhance coordination and experience-sharing with China and work to ease the adverse impact of the financial crisis on the African economy.

— The African countries reiterate their commitment to the one China policy and support for China’s peaceful reunification.

We have, in the spirit of this Declaration, formulated and adopted the Sharm El Sheikh Action Plan of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (2010-2012).

We express our congratulations on the fruitful results and great success of the Conference.

FORUM ON CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION SHARM EL SHEIKH ACTION PLAN (2010-2012)

1. PREAMBLE
1.1 Ministers in charge of foreign affairs and economic cooperation from China and 49 African countries (hereinafter referred to as “the two sides”) met in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on 8-9 November 2009 for the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

1.2 The two sides spoke highly of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the Third Ministerial Conference held in Beijing in November 2006, recognizing that the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges, which was defined at the historic summit, opened broad prospects for deepening China-Africa cooperation, and set an example of South-South cooperation.

1.3 The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of the follow-up actions in the three years after the Beijing Summit, and were generally pleased with the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2007-2009) adopted at the Beijing Summit. They reiterated their firm goal of further developing the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership.

1.4 In keeping with the purposes of deepening the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership to seek sustainable development, and in order to implement the outcomes of the conference and chart the course for cooperation in all fields in the next three years, the two sides jointly worked out and adopted this Action Plan.

2. POLITICAL AFFAIRS, AND REGIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
2.1 High-level Exchanges
The two sides noted that since the FOCAC Beijing Summit, there have been more frequent exchanges of visits and meetings on multilateral occasions between leaders of the two sides. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges with a view to increasing mutual understanding and friendship, and deepening mutual trust and cooperation.

2.2 Dialogues and Communication in Various Forms
2.2.1 Recognizing the importance of increasingly diverse dialogue mechanisms to the deepening of the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership, the two sides resolved to give full play to the existing mechanisms, such as the bilateral commissions, strategic dialogues, foreign ministries’ political consultations, and joint/mixed commissions on economic and trade cooperation, so as to enhance planning and guidance for the relations between the two sides.

2.2.2 The two sides appreciated the smooth launch of the mechanism of regular political dialogue between foreign ministers of the two sides set up at the Beijing Summit and the success of its first round. The two sides agreed to hold, under this mechanism, the second round in 2010 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

2.3 Contacts Between Political Parties, Legislatures and Local Governments
2.3.1 The two sides will further strengthen exchanges between political parties and enhance experience sharing on governance.
2.3.2 The two sides will continue to expand friendly contacts between the National People’s Congress of China and parliaments of African countries as well as the Pan-African Parliament to promote mutual understanding and deepen their relations.
2.3.3 The two sides noted that increasingly active local exchanges have become an integral part of China-Africa relations. They resolved to further promote exchanges and cooperation between governments at provincial and other local levels and to actively support twinning arrangements between the two sides.

2.4 Consular and Judicial Cooperation
2.4.1 Recognizing the need to strengthen personnel exchanges, the two sides agreed to increase cooperation in handling consular cases concerning their citizens in a proper and timely manner.
2.4.2 The two sides agreed to further promote exchanges and cooperation between their respective judiciaries and law enforcement departments, and to jointly improve the capability to prevent, investigate and combat crimes. The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation between their immigration authorities to resolve the issue of illegal migration through consultation.
2.4.3 Noting the importance of legal exchanges, the two sides agreed to hold a FOCAC Legal Forum at an appropriate time.
2.5 Cooperation Between China and the African Union and Sub-regional Organizations in Africa
2.5.1 The two sides applauded the important contributions made by the African Union (AU) and sub-regional organizations in Africa to actively resolving African issues and promoting the African integration process as well as sub-regional economic integration and peace and development in Africa.
2.5.2 The two sides noted with satisfaction that China and the AU have set up and launched the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism and agreed to exchange views on China-Africa relations and other major issues through this mechanism. They support the AU in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs.
2.5.3 To facilitate the development of relations, China expressed welcome to the establishment of an AU representative office in Beijing at an appropriate time.
2.5.4 The two sides noted that the FOCAC and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) share the objective of promoting peace and development in Africa, and agreed to continue exploring flexible and practical ways to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two mechanisms.
2.5.5 The Government of China will reinforce its partnership with African regional organizations in the field of institutional capacity building necessary to conceive and execute regional projects.
2.5.6 To support African countries in their efforts to strengthen themselves through unity, China will enhance dialogues and exchanges with sub-regional organizations in Africa to exchange views with them on ways to better promote African integration and enhance cooperation between the two sides, and to actively explore the possibility of cooperation under the FOCAC framework.

2.6 Cooperation in the Fields of Peace and Security
2.6.1 The Chinese Government will continue to support the United Nations Security Council in playing a constructive role in solving conflicts in Africa and continue to support and participate in UN peacekeeping missions there. It will strengthen cooperation with countries concerned in the UN Peace Building Commission and support countries in their post-war reconstruction processes.
2.6.2 The Chinese Government appreciates the concept and practice of “Solving African Problems by Africans”. It will continue to support the efforts of the AU, other regional organizations and countries concerned to solve regional conflicts, and will intensify cooperation with African countries in peacekeeping theory research, peacekeeping training and exchanges and in supporting the building of peacekeeping capacity in Africa.
2.6.3 The African side expressed appreciation of the appointment of the Special Representative for African Affairs by the Chinese Government, as well as China’s efforts to enhance communication and dialogue with African countries in peace and security affairs and its active participation in efforts to resolve issues of instability and insecurity in Africa.
2.6.4 The African side welcomed China’s counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia in line with the spirit of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which the two sides believed are conducive to security of the shipping routes in the waters concerned and peace and security in the region.

3. COOPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
3.1 The two sides expressed the view that the international situation is undergoing the most profound changes and adjustment after the end of the Cold War. The international financial crisis has led to a world economic recession and has brought about profound and complex changes to the international political and economic landscape. Therefore, it is of even greater importance to strengthen China-Africa cooperation in international affairs.
3.2 The two sides reaffirmed that Africa should be fully represented in the arrangements related to the world economy. The African side stressed the urgent need to enlarge the G20 and other existing mechanisms for international economy. The Chinese side expressed its full understanding for this request and stressed that existing mechanisms for international economic order must be balanced to ensure the fair representation of Africa.
3.3.1 The two sides reaffirmed their respect for the Charter of the United Nations, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other universally recognized norms governing international relations.
3.3.2 The two sides will work together to uphold the important role of the United Nations in international affairs and promote multilateralism and democracy in international relations.
3.3.3 The two sides supported reform aimed at improving the authority and efficiency of the United Nations. Such reform should be based on democratic consultations and be conducive to upholding solidarity among member states, and should fully accommodate the concerns of developing countries.
3.3.4 The two sides reiterated that developing countries should play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council, and priority must be given to increasing the representation of developing countries, particularly African countries, in the Security Council.
3.3.5 The two sides stand for reforms in the international financial system, and will work to increase the representation and say of developing countries and build an international financial system that is fair, just, inclusive and orderly.
3.4 The two sides noted that achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remains an urgent and arduous task. The two sides hold that the current international financial crisis has made the realization of the MDGs more difficult, particularly for African countries which face bigger challenges. The two sides call on the international community, developed countries in particular, to promptly deliver their pledges of assistance and debt relief, continue to step up assistance and investment, and help African countries in particular to overcome the difficulties and realize the MDGs at an early date. China will exert its effort in this regard.
3.5 In tackling climate change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol should be taken as the main channel, and the mandate of the “Bali Roadmap” should be observed. Efforts should be made to seek a comprehensive solution within the framework of sustainable development. The international community should make active efforts to tackle climate change under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. China recognized the urgent need of African countries to enhance their capacity to adapt to climate change, took note of the vulnerability of small island nations and the states of river deltas prone to flooding, and stressed that combating climate change is not an excuse to reduce attention to Africa’s development. China supports Africa’s legitimate demands, including those for more financial support and necessary technological transfer from developed countries to Africa. China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Africa in tackling climate change.

3.6 The two sides will further coordinate position and continue to work for a successful conclusion of the Doha round negotiations within 2010 on the basis of respecting the negotiation mandate of the Doha development agenda and locking in the progress already made. The negotiations must address the concerns of developing countries, particularly least developed countries, in real earnest and realize the Development Round’s goals. The negotiations should also address the specific concerns of Small and Vulnerable Economies to facilitate their full integration into the multilateral trading system.

3.7 The two sides reaffirmed their respect for the principle of universality of human rights, with no prejudice to the cultural and social particularities with regard to perceiving and applying the concept, and with priority on the right to development. The two sides oppose politicization and double standards in the field of human rights.

3.8 The two sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The international community should make every effort to combat terrorism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other universally recognized international law and norms governing international relations. The two sides will strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation in order to safeguard their own national security and promote new progress in international counter-terrorism cooperation.

4. ECONOMIC COOPERATION
4.1 Agriculture and Food Security
4.1.1 The two sides commended Africa’s efforts in embracing a growth-oriented agricultural agenda through the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) aimed at increasing agricultural growth rates.
4.1.2 The two sides noted that food security is a major challenge facing the international community and it is particularly serious for African countries. Agricultural development holds the key to food security in Africa, and is essential for Africa’s endeavor to eradicate poverty, ensure people’s livelihood and develop the economy. The two sides decided to prioritize agriculture and food security in their cooperation.

4.1.3 The two sides were pleased to see the deepened and orderly growth of agricultural cooperation between China and Africa. They pledged to maintain and strengthen such cooperation and expand, in particular, cooperation in agricultural infrastructure, grain production, breeding industry, exchanges and transfer of practical agricultural technologies, and in processing, storage and transportation of agricultural products.

4.1.4 The Chinese Government offered to do the following:
－In the course of the next three years, send 50 agricultural technology teams to Africa and help train 2,000 agricultural technicians for African countries.
－In the course of the next three years, increase to 20 the total number of agricultural technology demonstration centers built for African countries.
－Continue to run well the agricultural technology demonstration centers already built. The centers will start to carry out experiments, demonstration projects, and training programs in crop seed selection, farming, fish breeding and animal raising.
－Implement the decision to contribute US$30 million to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) to set up a trust fund, and actively use the trust fund to support South-South cooperation between China and African countries under the framework of the UNFAO Special Program for Food Security.

4.2 Investment and Business Cooperation
4.2.1 The two sides took note of the continued growth of two-way investment between China and Africa after the Beijing Summit in 2006, especially the fast growth of Chinese investment in Africa. The African side welcomes investment from China, and acknowledges its important role in bolstering local economic growth and sustainable development.
4.2.2 The two sides will continue to promote the conclusion and implementation of bilateral agreements on investment promotion and protection, and create a sound environment with a view to scaling up mutual investment. Governments of China and African countries give encouragement and support to their competitive businesses in investing in each other’s country so as to raise the level and quality of cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win results.

4.2.3 The Chinese side offered to increase the size of the China-Africa Development Fund to US$3 billion to support the expansion of investment from Chinese businesses to Africa.
4.2.4 The two sides will continue to do a good job in establishing overseas business cooperation zones in Africa, intensify efforts to attract investment, actively encourage more Chinese companies to make investment in the cooperation zones, and provide facilitation to African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop their business in the zones.
4.2.5 Noting the outcomes of the China-Africa Business Conference held during this Ministerial Conference, the two sides will further encourage their business communities to strengthen cooperation and deepen economic and trade links.

4.3 Infrastructure
4.3.1 The two sides were of the view that underdeveloped infrastructure is an obstacle to Africa’s development and integration. China’s contribution to infrastructure development in Africa in recent years was appreciated.
4.3.2 The two sides agreed that infrastructure will remain a priority in China-Africa cooperation. In this context, the African side hopes that the Chinese side will support development projects that promote regional integration. Recognizing Africa’s urgent need for infrastructure development, the Chinese side will support the building of major infrastructure projects in Africa to promote Africa’s economic and social development.
4.3.3 The Chinese side will increase investment and play a larger role in infrastructure development in Africa through providing loans and free assistance to African countries and encouraging investment by Chinese companies. In the next three years, the Chinese side will provide US$10 billion of preferential loans to African countries, which will be used mainly to support infrastructure and social development projects.

4.4 Trade
4.4.1 The two sides will continue to promote trade between China and Africa, and broaden their economic cooperation, which is currently dominated by trade in goods, so that it becomes multi-pronged to include trade in goods, investment, trade in services, technology and project contracting.
4.4.2 The two sides were pleased to see the smooth implementation of the tariff exemption policy toward Africa, which has generated increasing benefits to the countries concerned. The two sides will continue to improve China-Africa trade mix and promote trade balance.
4.4.3 The Chinese side promised to further open its market to African countries. It offered to, in a phased manner, grant tariff exemption treatment to 95% of exports from the least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa having diplomatic relations with China. As the first step, the goal of zero tariff treatment for 60% of products originating therefrom will be met in 2010.
4.4.4 The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in customs, taxation, inspection and quarantine, and to conclude and implement relevant cooperation agreements for the sound development of China-Africa trade. China is ready to establish cooperation mechanisms with African countries on the supervision and administration of imports and exports and strengthen regulation of product quality and food safety in imports and exports to the benefit of consumers in China and Africa.
4.4.5 An African commodities trade center will be established in China and preferential policies such as fees reduction and wavering will be adopted for participating African enterprises to promote export of African commodities to China.
4.4.6 The Chinese side will establish three to five logistic centers in Africa to help improve business facilities in African countries.
4.4.7 The two sides agreed to properly handle trade differences and frictions through friendly consultation under the principle of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation.
4.4.8 The two sides agreed to encourage the usage of national and regional arbitration organs in resolving contractual conflicts between Chinese and African enterprises.

4.5 Finance and Banking Sector
4.5.1 The two sides will continue to step up cooperation between relevant Chinese financial institutions and African financial institutions in support of African regional economic integration.
4.5.2 The two sides will encourage business exchanges between the commercial banks of the two sides and the opening of branches in each other’s country on mutually beneficial commercial terms so as to provide financing support to major China-Africa economic and trade cooperation projects and create a favorable financial environment for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
4.5.3 The Chinese side supported the establishment by Chinese financial institutions of a special loan of US$1 billion for African SMEs development to help the growth of African SMEs.

4.6 Energy and Resources Cooperation
China and Africa enjoy complementarity and cooperation potential in energy and resources. China will continue to cooperate with Africa, in keeping with the principles of mutual benefit and sustainable development, and try to raise the added value of the energy and resources products of African countries and enhance their capacity for intensive processing.

4.7 Information and Communications
China will further enhance cooperation with the information and communications authorities of African countries. It will step up training for African personnel in this field and give encouragement and support to competitive Chinese information and communications companies in getting involved in the building of communications infrastructure in Africa and engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation with African counterparts.

4.8 Services Sector
The two sides took note of the increasing role of the services sector in boosting the economy, and agreed to intensify exchanges and cooperation in this field with a view to improving the economic and industrial structures and transforming the growth pattern.

4.9 Transportation
In view of the deepening cooperation and exchanges between China and Africa, and their huge potential in transportation development, the two sides agreed to continue to encourage and support more flights and shipping links to be set up by their airlines and shipping companies.

5. COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DEVELOPMENT
5.1 Assistance and Debt Relief
5.1.1 Africa appreciated the development assistance China has provided to Africa in diverse forms over a long period of time and the reduction and cancelling of debts for Africa. Africa took note of the remarkable strengthening of relevant measures following the Beijing Summit, which is conducive to the early realization of the MDGs in Africa.
5.1.2 Despite its own difficulties caused by the impact of the global financial crisis on the Chinese economy, China expressed commitment to further scaling up assistance to Africa, and prioritizing cooperation areas concerning people’s well-being, such as agriculture, infrastructure, public health, education, human resources development, clean energy and environmental protection.
5.1.3 The Chinese Government offered to cancel due debts of interest-free government loans that will mature by the end of 2009 owed by all heavily-indebted poor countries and the LDCs in Africa having diplomatic relations with China.
5.2 Human Resources Development
5.2.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the scholarships, seminars and training programs China had sponsored made an important contribution to the human resources development of Africa.
5.2.2 The Chinese Government will continue to provide training for people from different sectors in Africa as the need arises, and pay special attention to raising the quality of such training. The Chinese Government undertakes to train a total of 20,000 people in various sectors for African countries in the next three years.
5.2.3 The Chinese side will make a US$1.5 million contribution to support NEPAD’s projects to train nurses and maternity assistants in Africa.
5.2.4 The African side undertakes to provide necessary support in the selection of trainees and logistics.

5.3 Education
5.3.1 The two sides expressed satisfaction with the continued progress in China-Africa education cooperation in recent years. The two sides stressed that better education is the basis of and holds the key to social stability and economic development, and the two sides will build on the existing achievements to further enhance their cooperation.
5.3.2 The Chinese Government offered to:
－Help African countries to build 50 China-Africa friendship schools in the next three years.
－Propose implementation of the 20+20 Cooperation Plan for Chinese and African Institutions of Higher Education to establish a new type of one-to-one inter-institutional cooperation model between 20 Chinese universities (or vocational colleges) and 20 African universities (or vocational colleges).
－Admit 200 middle and high level African administrative personnel to MPA programs in China in the next three years.
－Continue to raise the number of Chinese governmental scholarships and increase the number of scholarships offered to Africa to 5,500 by 2012.
－Intensify efforts to train teachers for primary, secondary and vocational schools in Africa, and help African countries train 1,500 school headmasters and teachers over the next three years.
－Continue to promote the development of Confucius institutes, increase the number of scholarships offered to Chinese language teachers to help them study in China, and double efforts to raise capacity of local African teachers to teach the Chinese language.

5.4 Cooperation in Science and Technology and Technology Transfer
5.4.1 The two sides agreed to hold a FOCAC Science and Technology Forum in due course and proposed to launch the China-Africa Science and Technology Partnership Plan to help African countries develop their own science and technology capacity.
－The Chinese side will carry out 100 joint research and demonstration projects in the next three years.
－The Chinese side will invite 100 African postdoctors to conduct scientific researches in China.
－The Chinese side will offer research instruments to all African scientific researchers who return to their home countries to work upon completion of their long-term joint research tasks in China.

5.4.2 To present African countries with China’s recent science and technology achievements in high, new and practical technologies, China will co-host with Egypt the China Exhibition on Innovative Technology and Products in Cairo in early December 2009.
5.4.3 Noting the important role of technology transfer in enhancing African countries’ capacity-building, China will encourage and promote technology transfer to Africa in various cooperation areas, in particular, the transfer of advanced applicable technologies with a major impact on Africa’s economic and social development, such as technologies for drinking water, agriculture, clean energy and health.

5.5 Cooperation in Poverty Reduction
5.5.1 Recognizing that poverty eradication is an arduous task for both sides, and noting Africa’s pressing need to accelerate the poverty reduction process, the two sides will step up cooperation and exchanges in this field.
5.5.2 China will continue to share experience in poverty reduction with African countries through seminars and training sessions in order to jointly raise development capacity and make poverty alleviation efforts more effective.

5.6 Medical Care and Public Health
5.6.1 The two sides agreed on the importance of strengthening health systems in Africa and improving its abilities to tackle the major challenge of diseases.

5.6.2 The two sides noted with pleasure the deepening health cooperation between the two sides. In particular, the hospitals and anti-malaria centers that China has undertaken to build will play a positive role in improving the health care level and protecting people’s health in African countries.

5.6.3 The two sides will step up exchanges, particularly their joint efforts to prevent and treat major communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, avian influenza and influenza A (H1N1). The two sides will continue to enhance cooperation in setting up mechanisms to handle public health emergencies.

5.6.4 The Chinese Government offered to:
－Provide RMB500 million yuan worth of medical equipment and malaria-fighting materials to 30 hospitals and 30 malaria prevention and treatment centers built by China for Africa in the coming three years. China will invite African professionals working in malaria prevention and treatment centers to training programs in China in an effort to ensure sustainable development of the project.
－Continue to help relevant African countries train a total of 3,000 doctors, nurses and administrative personnel over the next three years.
－Continue to do a good job in sending medical teams to Africa.

5.7 Climate Change and Environmental Protection
5.7.1 The two sides noted the positive measures adopted by both sides to jointly tackle climate change. China had organized seminars and training programs on climate change, forest resources cultivation, the use of new energy, environmental management and pollution prevention and control for African countries.
5.7.2 To help African countries adapt to climate change and strengthen environmental protection, China will step up human resources training for African countries and expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the above-mentioned fields.
5.7.3 The two sides proposed the establishment of a China-Africa partnership in addressing climate change and the holding of senior officials consultations on a non-regular basis. The Chinese Government offered to assist African countries with 100 small-sized well digging projects for water supply and clean energy projects of biogas, solar energy and small hydro-power plants in the next three years.

5.7.4 China is ready to advance cooperation with African countries in environment surveillance, continue to share with African countries data from the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite and promote the application of the data in land use, weather monitoring and environmental protection in Africa.

5.7.5 China will help African countries better protect the ecosystem and biodiversity and improve the comprehensive treatment of desertified areas and the relevant surveillance capacity.

5.8 Disaster Reduction and Relief
5.8.1 The two sides recognized that enhanced cooperation in disaster reduction and relief is an effective means for the two sides to build capacity for preventing natural disasters, eradicating poverty and maintaining sustainable social development. They expressed satisfaction with the sound cooperation between the two sides in the relevant areas. China expressed gratitude to African countries for their support and all forms of assistance in the wake of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake.
5.8.2 China will be glad to share experience with African countries in reducing drought risks, and will send experts to Africa in due course to disseminate technologies and promote their application. China plans to co-sponsor, together with the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, a China-Africa international seminar on reducing drought risks in Africa in 2010.
5.8.3 China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with African countries in surveillance and prevention of earthquake and other disasters as well as technical training in those areas.

5.9 Tourism
5.9.1 The two sides noted the recent good progress made in China-Africa tourism cooperation, the growing number of tourists and, in particular, the remarkable increase in Chinese tourists visiting Africa. African countries welcome this increase and will encourage their citizens to travel to China.
5.9.2 The two sides noted that developing tourism is an effective way to promote national economic growth and cultural exchanges. They will take concrete steps to make travel both ways more convenient. In response to Africa’s request, the Chinese Government will add more eligible African countries to the list of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Chinese tourists.
5.9.3 The Chinese side reaffirmed its support to Chinese enterprises’ investment in the tourism sector in Africa, and to greater efforts to promote African tourist destinations.

6. CULTURAL AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION
6.1 Culture
6.1.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that China-Africa cultural exchanges and cooperation have kept expanding with fruitful results in recent years. Recognizing the splendid histories and cultures of both China and Africa, the two sides agreed to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual learning to help advance dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations.
6.1.2 The two sides agreed to remain committed to China-Africa cultural exchanges and cooperation, and decided to:
－Hold the FOCAC Culture Forum in due course, and strengthen regular consultations between government cultural departments of the two sides.
－Continue to follow through on projects under the implementation plan of the China-Africa bilateral government cultural agreements, and conduct mid-term assessment on their implementation.
－Work together to promote “Cultures in Focus” events in China-Africa cultural exchanges. “African Culture in Focus” events will be held in even number years in China and “Chinese Culture in Focus” in odd number years in Africa.
－Faithfully implement the China-Africa exchange of visits program in the cultural field, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between cultural and art authorities and professionals of the two sides.
－Strengthen cooperation and build more Chinese cultural centers in Africa to facilitate regular cultural exchanges, public understanding and research.
－Promote cultures of the two sides through new technologies such as the internet to increase mutual understanding.

6.2 Press
6.2.1 The two sides will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between press departments of the Chinese and African governments, and support the annual press workshop for African officials.
6.2.2 The two sides will promote mutual visits between Chinese and African press department officials, editors and journalists, support the posting of journalists to each other’s country by news organizations of the two sides, and encourage news media of the two sides to step up objective and fair coverage on China and Africa.
6.2.3 The two sides will increase cooperation in radio and television program production by conducting exchanges at various levels and in various forms.

6.3 Exchanges Between Academia and Think Tanks
6.3.1 The two sides noted that dynamic exchanges between academia and think tanks are instrumental in increasing mutual understanding between the peoples.
6.3.2 The two sides proposed to implement a China-Africa joint research and exchange plan to strengthen cooperation and exchanges between scholars and think tanks of the two sides through a variety of ways, such as seminars, mutual academic visits, and joint research projects.
6.4 People-to-People, Youth and Women Exchanges
6.4.1 The two sides noted that people-to-people exchanges are conducive to mutual understanding and important to the deepening of China-Africa friendship. The two sides remain committed to promoting people-to-people exchanges.
6.4.2 The two sides held that more China-Africa youth exchanges provided a new impetus to China-Africa traditional friendship and met the needs of both sides. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the active youth exchanges after the Beijing Summit.
6.4.3 The two sides resolved to continue to increase dialogue and exchanges between the younger generations, and advance practical cooperation between youth organizations and young people in youth affairs, social development, culture, sports, and volunteer service.
6.4.4 The two sides support the Tunisian initiative, proposing the year 2010 as the "International Year of the Youth" as well as the organization of an international conference for the youth that will be convened under the auspices of the UN and other relevant international organizations .
6.4.5 Noting the results of the FOCAC Women’s Forum held in Cairo and the release of the FOCAC Women’s Forum Declaration 2009, the two sides held that the forum helped to enhance the role of women in promoting economic and social development and enriched China-Africa traditional friendship.
6.4.6 The two sides recognized the importance of promoting gender equality and the status of women, and resolved to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African women in multiple forms, such as seminars and technical training.

6.5 Sports
6.5.1 China appreciated African countries’ active support for and participation in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. The two sides agreed to further increase sports exchanges and cooperation.
6.5.2 China fully supports the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 2010 in Angola, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Africa for the first time, and wishes both events complete success.

6.6 World Expo
China expressed appreciation to African countries’ active participation in World Expo 2010 Shanghai. China offered due support to African countries in their participation with a view to fully showcasing Africa’s economic development, progress, opportunities, culture and to promoting a better understanding of Africa in the world. African countries appreciated this and wished the Shanghai Expo a complete success.

7. FOCAC
7.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, follow-up mechanisms and procedures have been introduced such as the Ministerial Conference, the regular political dialogue between Chinese and African foreign ministers, the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), and consultations between African diplomatic missions in China and the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee. The two sides agreed that FOCAC has become an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism of practical cooperation between China and Africa.
7.2 The two sides recognized the need to further strengthen FOCAC as China-Africa relations continue to expand and deepen. The two sides give encouragement and support to relevant departments in China and Africa in holding sub-forums within the FOCAC framework in order to boost cooperation between functional departments of the two sides.
7.3 Following the FOCAC follow-up mechanism procedures, the two sides decided to hold the Fifth Ministerial Conference in 2012, and the 8th SOM in 2011, both to be held in China.

November 12, 2009