The upcoming 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will become a new starting point for fully fostering the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, Dhia Khaled, Tunisian Ambassador to China, said in Beijing.

Calling the summit a "historic meeting," Khaled said it will create opportunities for China and African countries to deepen cooperation, promote development, and increase mutual understanding.

He added that the summit will usher in a new future of China-Africa cooperation in economy and trade, culture, education, and science and technology.

"I call on African countries to make full use of the summit to strive for the well-being of the people of both China and Africa," Khaled said.

Khaled expressed his hope that the summit will help expand Chinese investment in Africa and spoke highly of the development of relations between China and African countries under the principle of mutual respect, equal cooperation, and mutual benefit.

China and Tunisia signed a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative in July. Khaled said Tunisia has placed great attention on the initiative and is ready to actively participate in the building of the Belt and Road.

Khaled hailed China's reform and opening-up policy, saying the policy has contributed to the country's development and its cooperation with other countries, especially with Arab and African countries.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2018)