African people have great expectations for FOCAC Summit: Zuma

JOHANNESBURG -- The outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will live up to the expectations of the African people, South African President Jacob Zuma has said.

The historic hosting of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), for the first time on African soil, is yet another high-profile event that South Africa is privileged to host on behalf of Africa, Zuma said in a statement prior to the summit.

During the summit from December 4-5, the political leadership of Africa and China will deliberate on the theme: "China-Africa Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development".

This summit offers a unique opportunity to reiterate the historical friendship between 2.3 billion people of Africa and China, Zuma said.

"It is also a partnership anchored in equality and respect, and aimed at improving the lives of a substantial portion of humanity. At the heart of this endeavor, is the sharing of expertise and experiences to eradicate poverty and ensure an improvement in socio-economic conditions, thus creating a better life for all through our common destiny," the president said.

The summit will focus on, among others, infrastructure development, industrialization, job creation, technology and knowledge transfer.

"I believe that it (the summit) has the real potential for us to achieve our dream of eradicating poverty in our lifetime. It is also an opportunity to further harness and complement the economic potential of two of the fastest-growing regions of the world," said Zuma.

Reflecting on the mutually beneficial results that FOCAC has achieved since its inception 15 years ago, Zuma said his government and himself are convinced that the Johannesburg FOCAC Summit will further provide an opportunity to continue to strengthen the current platform for collective dialogue, consolidate Africa-China traditional friendship, deepen strategic collaboration and enhance the mechanism of practical cooperation between China and Africa.

"I am confident that the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of FOCAC will live up to the expectations of our people," he said.