Better security sought on continent

To further modernization in Africa, China is committed to making a greater contribution to ensuring peace and security on the continent, a senior Chinese official said on Thursday.

While addressing a high-level meeting on peace and security at the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China has been an important force for peace in Africa and fully supports the continent's efforts to achieve stability.

He said China will continue to work with African nations to promote peace and security under the framework of FOCAC.

Noting that security is a major issue for the future of humanity, Cai said China is willing to collaborate with the continent to implement the Global Security Initiative, which will lay the security foundation for a community with a shared future for humanity.

Under the initiative, Cai said China will focus on promoting exchanges and mutual learning, enhancing solidarity and mutual assistance, supporting Africa's capacity building and upholding the common security interests of China and the continent.

He said China is ready to work with Africa to implement the 10 partnership actions proposed by President Xi Jinping. Cai also called on international partners to provide more financing and technology support for Africa's development.

President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso urged China and Africa to develop a cooperation mechanism focused on peace and security, and to stay committed to multilateralism amid mounting global challenges such as climate change, terrorism and conflicts.

Modernization is not only about making scientific and technological progress, but also achieving political stability and social security, he said.

"China has achieved economic and social transformation over the past decades and is a key partner to Africa on its journey of modernization," he said while expressing appreciation for China's various initiatives supporting Africa.

Nguesso spoke highly of the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, saying it is "the cornerstone of the actions of China and Africa and also the vision of future cooperation between the two sides".

Mohamed Mirghani, a diplomat from Sudan, said: "Security and economy go hand-in-hand. Peace is a priceless asset, and if there is no peace and security, the economy will not flourish.

"I appreciate China for proposing a series of global initiatives, and they have had a good impact on security issues in the world, especially in Africa."

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn