Xi vows action to bring China, Africa closer

China supports African countries' efforts to make better use of financial resources such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the New Development Bank, and the Silk Road Fund in accordance with multilateral rules and procedures, Xi said.

China will offer 50 projects involving green development and ecological protection for Africa, and strengthen exchanges with Africa in climate change, maritime cooperation, control of desertification and protection of wildlife, Xi said.

Xi pledged to enhance communication with African countries on development experiences, offer occupational training courses for African youths, provide a quota of 50,000 government-funded scholarships for Africa and invite 2,000 young people from Africa to visit China.

Xi also unveiled measures to enhance communication with Africa in such areas as health, people-to-people exchanges and security.

To ensure the implementation of the initiatives, China will provide $60 billion in support, including free aid, loans and special funds, for Africa's development, Xi said.

China is ready to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative with international partners to create new drivers for development and turn it into a road of peace, prosperity, openness, green development and innovation, Xi said.

In his speech, Xi introduced China's "five-no" approach－no interference in African countries' pursuit of development paths; no interference in internal affairs; no imposition of China's will on African countries; no attachment of political strings to assistance; and no seeking of selfish political gains in investment and financing cooperation－in China's relations with Africa.