On April 17, the 80th media briefing on epidemic prevention and control was held in Guangzhou, capital city of south China's Guangdong Province. Chambers of commerce from African countries, including Nigeria, Togo, Tanzania, the Republic of Congo, as well as scholars and business representatives in China shared their stories of bilateral cooperation and called for strengthened solidarity between the two sides in the battle against COVID-19. 

Ogbonna Maxmus Ikenna, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce in China 

"I came to China in March 2003 to do jewelry business. I feel safe in China," said Ogbonna Maxmus Ikenna, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce in China. When he arrived in China, he could not use chopsticks and speak Chinese well. Later, he married a Chinese girl, and they have two children now. 

"I advise Nigerians [in China] to continue to trust China and the Guangdong people," said Ogbonna. "We need to battle COVID-19 together. Let’s see the virus as a common enemy."

Nhalochy Lare Tietimpo, President of the Togolese Chamber of Commerce in China 

Nhalochy Lare Tietimpo, President of the Togolese Chamber of Commerce in China, came to China in 2005. "Guangzhou is quite safe. No matter you want to pursue business or career, it is a good place to realize your dream," said Nhalochy.  

Nhalochy said the virus is the common enemy of China and Africa. The two sides need to find a way to win the fight. The friendship between China and Africa will remain strong. 

John Vedasto Rwehumbiza, President of the Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce in China 

John Vedasto Rwehumbiza, President of the Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce in China, first came to China in 1987.  

Earlier, Rwehumbiza used to export building materials to Africa from Guangzhou. In recent years, China has helped African countries export more products to China. Rwehumbiza is now exporting Tanzanian agricultural products to China, such as tapioca starch. 

"I have lived in China for many years, and all three of my children have gone to school in China. They all feel that China is great," said Rwehumbiza. He hopes that in the future, the understanding between the people of China and Africa will be further deepened and the friendship between China and Africa will be further enhanced.  

"The concept of a community of shared future has played an important role in fighting the epidemic," Rwehumbiza said. He called on Africans in China to understand and abide by the local epidemic prevention regulations.