Cooperation example

Noting that China is the largest developing country, and Africa the continent with the largest number of such nations, Liu said the collective revitalization of developing countries is a highly distinctive feature and an important symbol of society's progress.

"Development is the master key to solve all problems. The ultimate way out for many regional hot spots lies in development. Africa has achieved political independence through hard struggle, and is striving for economic independence and development," he said.

Kairuki, the Tanzanian ambassador, said Africa needs to continue drawing inspiration from China's development model.

"In the past, China relied on smallholder farming, just as many African countries are still doing. We seek to learn lessons from China's agricultural and industrial policy for the country's development cooperation with Africa," he said.

Shen, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that as an example of South-South cooperation, FOCAC has guided the international community's cooperation with Africa by providing a set of mechanisms that can be referenced by others.

Moreover, China-Africa cooperation has accelerated the continent's social and economic development and raised its status on the international stage, boosting its development autonomy as well as its freedom to choose partners, Shen said.

"Countries, especially major Western nations, now have to-reexamine Africa when carrying out cooperation with the continent, which has gained Africa a better say in the world," he added.

On Friday, a white paper titled "China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals", issued by the State Council Information Office, stated that China and Africa need more than ever to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation, as the world is going through profound change on a scale unseen for a century.

"China will work together with African countries to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, build an even stronger China-Africa community of shared future, and bring more gains to the Chinese and African peoples, thus making a greater contribution to lasting world peace and prosperity, and to a global community of shared future," the document said.