(FOCAC) China remains all-time friend of Central Africa -- president of Republic of the Congo

President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso addresses the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. The 2024 Summit of the FOCAC opened here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China remains an all-time friend for Central Africa, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo said here on Thursday.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Sassou said the African side welcomes the 10 partnership action plans presented by their friend -- Chinese President Xi Jinping -- to jointly advance modernization.

Sassou noted that Africa and China are growing closer based on their shared history, values and solidarity, adding that the decision to advance modernization reflects a mutual commitment to prosperity and peace.

He expressed his hope to use this opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to elevating the FOCAC as a key player in global governance by intensifying trade and investment to address Africa's development challenges.