Declaration of Sharm El Sheikh of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.Egypt from 8 to 9 November 2009 for the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC). The theme is deepening China-African strategic partnership and seeking sustainable development. Egypt is chair country this conference and China is common chair country. Wen Jiabao, prime minister attended in opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
 

 

 

Declaration of Sharm El Sheikh of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

 
We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers in charge of economic cooperation of the People's Republic of China and 49 African countries, met in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 8 to 9 November 2009 for the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC).
 
We applaud the convening of the 4th Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, under the leadership of H.E. Hosny Mobarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and H.E. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and in the presence of Their Excellences the Heads of State and Government and leaders of 17 African countries and make an important speech on comprehensive promotion to China-African the new strategic partnership, who announced Chinese government will promote China-African cooperation on eight measures.
 
For the purpose of "deepening the new type of China-Africa Strategic Partnership for sustainable development", we, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of the follow-up actions to the Beijing Summit of the Forum, and agreed that the set goals had been accomplished. We also discussed the ways and means to further deepen China-Africa relations under new circumstances.
 
We are pleased to note that, thanks to joint efforts of the two sides, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has grown in strength and showed great vigor and vitality over the past nine years since its inception. It is particularly noteworthy that a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges was established at the successful Beijing Summit of the Forum, making it a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations.
 
We solemnly reiterate the spirit of the Beijing Summit of the Forum and believed that the principles it set out will provide long-term guidance for the growth of China-Africa relations and steer the relations forward.
 
We hold that the international situation, while on the whole being stable, is complex and volatile. The world is still gripped by the economic recession triggered by the global financial crisis. Global concerns, represented by food security, the energy issue, climate change, and the need to prevent and control major diseases, are getting more acute, and destabilizing factors and uncertainties are notably on the rise in the international political, economic and other fields. Climate change in particular is having a devastating effect on many countries and regions across the world and urgently requires solutions.
 
The effect of the financial crisis on developing countries is still spreading. In particular, the grave consequences of the crisis on the African economies, fragile as they are, may be further felt, making it more difficult for African countries to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals.
 
We believe that the international community particularly developed countries should pay special attention to the negative impact of the crisis on developing countries, particularly African countries, and further efforts should be made in order to mitigate those effects. Therefore, effective measures should be implemented by the developed countries, in order to fulfill their commitments on aid, debt relief, promoting and increasing investment, opening up and accessing market, and assisting developing countries to promote economic growth in order to achieve sustainable development. In this context, we call on the developed countries to further assist African countries to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. In particular, we recommend that specific actions be taken in favour of island, least developed and landlocked states.
 
We call on all countries to, as an effective response to the current challenges and threats, act under the principles of multilateralism and democracy in international relations to increase communications, respect and support each other, make the international order more just and equitable, and promote harmonious development and common prosperity of the world.
 
We reaffirm the need for strengthening the role of the United Nations through inter alia, its reform and, as a matter of priority, increasing the representation of African countries in the Security Council and other UN agencies.
 
We also express our appreciation for the Chinese support to the African just and fair causes in the international fora, particularly in the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations.

We call for reform of the international financial system to ensure its development in a fair, just, inclusive and orderly manner, and for increasing the representation and voice of developing countries therein.
 
We oppose protectionism in all its forms, and stand to uphold an open and free trade and investment environment.

 

We will continue to advance the Doha Round of trade negotiations on the basis of observing the negotiation mandate, sticking to the Development Agenda and respecting the existing outcomes, and call for a successful conclusion of these negotiations in 2010 with the attainment of the development goals and the reflection of the interests and concerns of developing countries, including African countries, in the outcome.
 
We underline in particular African countries' urgent need for stronger capacity to adapt to climate change and support their legitimate right in combating climate change.
 
The African countries are greatly encouraged by China's sustained, steady and fast economic growth, appreciate the significant actions taken by China in response to the financial crisis, and believe that these actions have not only contributed to stabilizing the world economy but also helped the African economy towards achieving recovery and growth.
 
China applauds Africa's endeavor and achievement in strengthening governance, resolving regional conflicts, advancing poverty relief and development, and speeding up the integration process.
 
China is concerned with the difficulties Africa has encountered as a result of the global financial crisis and believes that the world should not overlook the issue of development while tackling the crisis.
 
China reaffirms its support for African countries in their efforts to strengthen themselves through unity and independently resolve Africa's problems. It appreciates the positive role of African countries, the African Union (AU) and other regional and sub-regional organizations in this regard, and supports African countries in the process of African regional integration and development being conducted under the African Union, the "New Partnership for Africa's Development" (NEPAD), and the Regional Economic Communities.
 
The two sides hold that the decades-long cooperation between China and Africa has produced fruitful results and delivered considerable benefits to their peoples. It is a good example of South-South cooperation. To further deepen the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership of political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges under the new circumstances, we will:
 
- Make the most of their consultation mechanisms at various levels and through multiple channels to strengthen strategic dialogue, expand common ground and deepen cooperation in multilateral institutions, so as to uphold the common interests of developing countries.
 
- Increase high-level visits, enhance political mutual trust and strengthen communication and coordination between China and Africa on major issues.
 
- Maintain unity and mutual support to jointly tackle the challenges brought by the global financial crisis and make sure that Africa's endeavor to achieve the Millennium Development Goals will not be reversed.
 
- Expand mutual benefit and upgrade the level of China-Africa practical cooperation. The two sides will encourage and promote two-way trade and investment, diversify ways of cooperation, and strengthen collaborative efforts in such priority areas as poverty relief, environmental protection, human resources training and capacity-building, and information and communications technologies. In particular, specific attention is needed on the critical sectors of infrastructure, agriculture and food security.
 
- Broaden exchanges and deepen people-to-people and cultural cooperation. Efforts will be made to promote exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, medical and health care, sports, tourism and other fields, and forge closer ties among the young people, women, non-governmental organizations, media organizations and academic institutions of the two sides with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and African peoples.
 
- Strengthen coordination and work together to enhance the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and promote its sustainable development. In light of the needs of the two sides and changed circumstances, China and Africa will steadily improve the mechanisms of the Forum, enrich its contents, identify reasonable targets, make the best use of the leading role of the Forum in driving forward China-Africa relations, and ensure successful implementation of the follow-up actions to the Forum.
 
- China pledges to work within its ability to further scale up aid to Africa, cut and cancel debt owed by African countries, expand investment in Africa, further open China's market and strengthen practical cooperation with Africa.
 
- African countries welcome China's commitments and expressed readiness to enhance coordination and experience-sharing with China and work to ease the adverse impact of the financial crisis on the African economy.
 
- The African countries reiterate their commitment to the one China policy and support for China's peaceful reunification.
 
We have, in the spirit of this Declaration, formulated and adopted the Sharm El Sheikh Action Plan of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (2010-2012).
We express our congratulations on the fruitful results and great success of the Conference.

 

FORUM ON CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION SHARM EL SHEIKH ACTION PLAN(2010-2012)
 
To improving the economic and industrial structures and transforming the growth pattern.

 

4.9 Transportation

In view of the deepening cooperation and exchanges between China and Africa, and their huge potential in transportation development, the two sides agreed to continue to encourage and support more flights and shipping links to be set up by their airlines and shipping companies.

 

5. COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DEVELOPMENT

 

5.1 Assistance and Debt Relief

5.1.1 Africa appreciated the development assistance China has provided to Africa in diverse forms over a long period of time and the reduction and cancelling of debts for Africa. Africa took note of the remarkable strengthening of relevant measures following the Beijing Summit, which is conducive to the early realization of the MDGs in Africa.

5.1.2 Despite its own difficulties caused by the impact of the global financial crisis on the Chinese economy, China expressed commitment to further scaling up assistance to Africa, and prioritizing cooperation areas concerning people’s well-being, such as agriculture, infrastructure, public health, education, human resources development, clean energy and environmental protection.

5.1.3 The Chinese Government offered to cancel due debts of interest-free government loans that will mature by the end of 2009 owed by all heavily-indebted poor countries and the LDCs in Africa having diplomatic relations with China.

 

5.2 Human Resources Development

5.2.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the scholarships, seminars and training programs China had sponsored made an important contribution to the human resources development of Africa.

5.2.2 The Chinese Government will continue to provide training for people from different sectors in Africa as the need arises, and pay special attention to raising the quality of such training. The Chinese Government undertakes to train a total of 20,000 people in various sectors for African countries in the next three years.

5.2.3 The Chinese side will make a US$1.5 million contribution to support NEPAD’s projects to train nurses and maternity assistants in Africa.

5.2.4 The African side undertakes to provide necessary support in the selection of trainees and logistics.

5.3 Education

5.3.1 The two sides expressed satisfaction with the continued progress in China-Africa education cooperation in recent years. The two sides stressed that better education is the basis of and holds the key to social stability and economic development, and the two sides will build on the existing achievements to further enhance their cooperation.

5.3.2 The Chinese Government offered to:

－Help African countries to build 50 China-Africa friendship schools in the next three years.

－Propose implementation of the 20+20 Cooperation Plan for Chinese and African Institutions of Higher Education to establish a new type of one-to-one inter-institutional cooperation model between 20 Chinese universities (or vocational colleges) and 20 African universities (or vocational colleges).

－Admit 200 middle and high level African administrative personnel to MPA programs in China in the next three years.

－Continue to raise the number of Chinese governmental scholarships and increase the number of scholarships offered to Africa to 5,500 by 2012.

－Intensify efforts to train teachers for primary, secondary and vocational schools in Africa, and help African countries train 1,500 school headmasters and teachers over the next three years.

－Continue to promote the development of Confucius institutes, increase the number of scholarships offered to Chinese language teachers to help them study in China, and double efforts to raise capacity of local African teachers to teach the Chinese language.

 

5.4 Cooperation in Science and Technology and Technology Transfer

5.4.1 The two sides agreed to hold a FOCAC Science and Technology Forum in due course and proposed to launch the China-Africa Science and Technology Partnership Plan to help African countries develop their own science and technology capacity.

－The Chinese side will carry out 100 joint research and demonstration projects in the next three years.

－The Chinese side will invite 100 African postdoctors to conduct scientific researches in China.

－The Chinese side will offer research instruments to all African scientific researchers who return to their home countries to work upon completion of their long-term joint research tasks in China.

5.4.2 To present African countries with China’s recent science and technology achievements in high, new and practical technologies, China will co-host with Egypt the China Exhibition on Innovative Technology and Products in Cairo in early December 2009.

5.4.3 Noting the important role of technology transfer in enhancing African countries'capacity-building, China will encourage and promote technology transfer to Africa in various cooperation areas, in particular, the transfer of advanced applicable technologies with a major impact on Africa’s economic and social development, such as technologies for drinking water, agriculture, clean energy and health.

 

5.5 Cooperation in Poverty Reduction

5.5.1 Recognizing that poverty eradication is an arduous task for both sides, and noting Africa’s pressing need to accelerate the poverty reduction process, the two sides will step up cooperation and exchanges in this field.

5.5.2 China will continue to share experience in poverty reduction with African countries through seminars and training sessions in order to jointly raise development capacity and make poverty alleviation efforts more effective.

 

5.6 Medical Care and Public Health

5.6.1 The two sides agreed on the importance of strengthening health systems in Africa and improving its abilities to tackle the major challenge of diseases.

5.6.2 The two sides noted with pleasure the deepening health cooperation between the two sides. In particular, the hospitals and anti-malaria centers that China has undertaken to build will play a positive role in improving the health care level and protecting people’s health in African countries.

5.6.3 The two sides will step up exchanges, particularly their joint efforts to prevent and treat major communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, avian influenza and influenza A (H1N1). The two sides will continue to enhance cooperation in setting up mechanisms to handle public health emergencies.

5.6.4 The Chinese Government offered to:

－Provide RMB500 million yuan worth of medical equipment and malaria-fighting materials to 30 hospitals and 30 malaria prevention and treatment centers built by China for Africa in the coming three years. China will invite African professionals working in malaria prevention and treatment centers to training programs in China in an effort to ensure sustainable development of the project.

－Continue to help relevant African countries train a total of 3,000 doctors, nurses and administrative personnel over the next three years.

－Continue to do a good job in sending medical teams to Africa.

 

5.7 Climate Change and Environmental Protection

5.7.1 The two sides noted the positive measures adopted by both sides to jointly tackle climate change. China had organized seminars and training programs on climate change, forest resources cultivation, the use of new energy, environmental management and pollution prevention and control for African countries.

5.7.2 To help African countries adapt to climate change and strengthen environmental protection, China will step up human resources training for African countries and expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the above-mentioned fields.

5.7.3 The two sides proposed the establishment of a China-Africa partnership in addressing climate change and the holding of senior officials consultations on a non-regular basis. The Chinese Government offered to assist African countries with 100 small-sized well digging projects for water supply and clean energy projects of biogas, solar energy and small hydro-power plants in the next three years.

5.7.4 China is ready to advance cooperation with African countries in environment surveillance, continue to share with African countries data from the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite and promote the application of the data in land use, weather monitoring and environmental protection in Africa.

5.7.5 China will help African countries better protect the ecosystem and biodiversity and improve the comprehensive treatment of desertified areas and the relevant surveillance capacity.

 

5.8 Disaster Reduction and Relief

5.8.1 The two sides recognized that enhanced cooperation in disaster reduction and relief is an effective means for the two sides to build capacity for preventing natural disasters, eradicating poverty and maintaining sustainable social development. They expressed satisfaction with the sound cooperation between the two sides in the relevant areas. China expressed gratitude to African countries for their support and all forms of assistance in the wake of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake.

5.8.2 China will be glad to share experience with African countries in reducing drought risks, and will send experts to Africa in due course to disseminate technologies and promote their application. China plans to co-sponsor, together with the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, a China-Africa international seminar on reducing drought risks in Africa in 2010.

5.8.3 China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with African countries in surveillance and prevention of earthquake and other disasters as well as technical training in those areas.

5.9 Tourism

5.9.1 The two sides noted the recent good progress made in China-Africa tourism cooperation, the growing number of tourists and, in particular, the remarkable increase in Chinese tourists visiting Africa. African countries welcome this increase and will encourage their citizens to travel to China.

5.9.2 The two sides noted that developing tourism is an effective way to promote national economic growth and cultural exchanges. They will take concrete steps to make travel both ways more convenient. In response to Africa’s request, the Chinese Government will add more eligible African countries to the list of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Chinese tourists.

5.9.3 The Chinese side reaffirmed its support to Chinese enterprises'investment in the tourism sector in Africa, and to greater efforts to promote African tourist destinations.

 

6. CULTURAL AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION

 

6.1 Culture

6.1.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that China-Africa cultural exchanges and cooperation have kept expanding with fruitful results in recent years. Recognizing the splendid histories and cultures of both China and Africa, the two sides agreed to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual learning to help advance dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations.

6.1.2 The two sides agreed to remain committed to China-Africa cultural exchanges and cooperation, and decided to:

－Hold the FOCAC Culture Forum in due course, and strengthen regular consultations between government cultural departments of the two sides.

－Continue to follow through on projects under the implementation plan of the China-Africa bilateral government cultural agreements, and conduct mid-term assessment on their implementation.

－Work together to promote “Cultures in Focus” events in China-Africa cultural exchanges. “African Culture in Focus” events will be held in even number years in China and “Chinese Culture in Focus” in odd number years in Africa.

－Faithfully implement the China-Africa exchange of visits program in the cultural field, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between cultural and art authorities and professionals of the two sides.

－Strengthen cooperation and build more Chinese cultural centers in Africa to facilitate regular cultural exchanges, public understanding and research.

－Promote cultures of the two sides through new technologies such as the internet to increase mutual understanding.

 

6.2 Press

 

6.2.1 The two sides will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between press departments of the Chinese and African governments, and support the annual press workshop for African officials.

6.2.2 The two sides will promote mutual visits between Chinese and African press department officials, editors and journalists, support the posting of journalists to each other’s country by news organizations of the two sides, and encourage news media of the two sides to step up objective and fair coverage on China and Africa.

6.2.3 The two sides will increase cooperation in radio and television program production by conducting exchanges at various levels and in various forms.

6.3 Exchanges Between Academia and Think Tanks

6.3.1 The two sides noted that dynamic exchanges between academia and think tanks are instrumental in increasing mutual understanding between the peoples.

6.3.2 The two sides proposed to implement a China-Africa joint research and exchange plan to strengthen cooperation and exchanges between scholars and think tanks of the two sides through a variety of ways, such as seminars, mutual academic visits, and joint research projects.

6.4 People-to-People, Youth and Women Exchanges

6.4.1 The two sides noted that people-to-people exchanges are conducive to mutual understanding and important to the deepening of China-Africa friendship. The two sides remain committed to promoting people-to-people exchanges.

6.4.2 The two sides held that more China-Africa youth exchanges provided a new impetus to China-Africa traditional friendship and met the needs of both sides. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the active youth exchanges after the Beijing Summit.

6.4.3 The two sides resolved to continue to increase dialogue and exchanges between the younger generations, and advance practical cooperation between youth organizations and young people in youth affairs, social development, culture, sports, and volunteer service.

6.4.4 The two sides support the Tunisian initiative, proposing the year 2010 as the "International Year of the Youth" as well as the organization of an international conference for the youth that will be convened under the auspices of the UN and other relevant international organizations .

6.4.5 Noting the results of the FOCAC Women’s Forum held in Cairo and the release of the FOCAC Women’s Forum Declaration 2009, the two sides held that the forum helped to enhance the role of women in promoting economic and social development and enriched China-Africa traditional friendship.
 
6.4.6 The two sides recognized the importance of promoting gender equality and the status of women, and resolved to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African women in multiple forms, such as seminars and technical training.

6.5 Sports

6.5.1 China appreciated African countries'active support for and participation in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. The two sides agreed to further increase sports exchanges and cooperation.

6.5.2 China fully supports the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 2010 in Angola, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Africa for the first time, and wishes both events complete success.

6.6 World Expo

China expressed appreciation to African countries'active participation in World Expo 2010 Shanghai. China offered due support to African countries in their participation with a view to fully showcasing Africa’s economic development, progress, opportunities, culture and to promoting a better understanding of Africa in the world. African countries appreciated this and wished the Shanghai Expo a complete success.

 

7. FOCAC

 

7.1 The two sides noted with satisfaction that since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, follow-up mechanisms and procedures have been introduced such as the Ministerial Conference, the regular political dialogue between Chinese and African foreign ministers, the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), and consultations between African diplomatic missions in China and the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee. The two sides agreed that FOCAC has become an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism of practical cooperation between China and Africa.

7.2 The two sides recognized the need to further strengthen FOCAC as China-Africa relations continue to expand and deepen. The two sides give encouragement and support to relevant departments in China and Africa in holding sub-forums within the FOCAC framework in order to boost cooperation between functional departments of the two sides.

7.3 Following the FOCAC follow-up mechanism procedures, the two sides decided to hold the Fifth Ministerial Conference in 2012, and the 8th SOM in 2011, both to be held in China.