President Xi Jinping called on Monday for China and Africa to work together to implement the Global Security Initiative and safeguard international fairness and justice amid mounting security challenges in the world.

Xi made the remark in a congratulatory letter sent to the second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, which was hosted in a virtual format by the Ministry of National Defense under the theme of strengthening solidarity and coordination for common security.

Xi said in the message that China and Africa are good friends, partners and brothers who assist and support each other.

As the world experiences profound changes unseen in a century, such as the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, various security challenges have emerged and mankind faces unprecedented challenges, he said.

Realizing lasting peace and universal security is the common aspiration of the Chinese and African people, the president added.

In developing relations with Africa, Xi said that China has always adhered to the principles of sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith, as well as pursuing the greater good and shared interests.

China is ready to work with African friends in upholding the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, he added.

Xi called on both sides to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at the core, as well as international fairness and justice, push for the implementation of the China-proposed Global Security Initiative, and jointly build a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

The forum was proposed by Xi at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2018 with the aim of strengthening peace and security cooperation and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Africa. The first forum was held in July 2019 in Beijing.