By far, China has established diplomatic relations with 48 African countries. In 1956, when China established diplomatic ties with Egypt, its trade volume with the African continent was only 12 million US dollars. In 2006, the Sino-African trade volume has exceeded 50 billion dollars.

In April 1963, the Chinese government dispatched its first medical team to Africa. Since then, China has sent a total of 15,000 medical personnel to 47 African countries, who treated 170 million patients. Since 1990, China has participated in 12 UN peacekeeping operations in Africa, and dispatched 3,000-plus soldiers to join UN peacekeeping forces there.

In recent years, political, economic and security situations inAfrica have displayed gratifying changes.

With the joint efforts of African nations and the African Union(AU), the political situation in Africa has generally been stable, with regional disputes reducing.

In 2004, the African economy grew 5.3 percent and it reached 5.4 percent in 2005. The figure is estimated to rise to 5.9 percent in 2006. The IMF has pointed out that southern Africa is experiencing the most powerful and sustained economic growth phase since the 1870's.

In addition, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has already charted out the blueprint for Africa's revival and development.

African countries are now joining hands to stand on their own feet, implementing independent diplomatic policies, actively involving in South-North Cooperation, pushing forward the South-South Dialogue, and exerting a greater role in international affairs.

On the other hand, the stable society, sustained economic development, and the advancement in reform and opening up of China, brings the world an unprecedented opportunity of development and cooperation.

Against this backdrop, the Beijing Summit will enhance and cement the Sino-African friendly relations for cooperation.

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