BEIJING -- China respects the choices of African countries, and will not impose its mode of development on African countries, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing here on Sunday.

At a joint press conference held by Chinese, Ethiopian and Egyptian foreign ministers, Li Zhaoxing said that if some African countries build economic zones, China will hold discussions with the countries and cooperate with them based on the principle of mutual benefit.

All the decisions on the Sino-African joint economic projects were made according to the common demand and interests of two sides, and will bring real benefits to Chinese and African people, Li said.

The cooperation is favorable to peace and development of Africa and other places of the world, Li added.

The press conference was held following the two-day Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Ethiopia is the co-chair of the forum, while Egypt will host the next in 2009.

The Beijing Summit closed earlier Sunday after adopting a historic declaration and an action plan for 2007-2009 in an effort to facilitate China-Africa cooperation in an all-round way.

The landmark gathering highlighted "friendship, peace, cooperation and development".