Ai Ping, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (SHI GANG)

What is the focus of inter-party exchanges between China and African countries?

In general, we focus on the following aspects:

(1) We have in-depth discussions on important theoretical issues and exchange views and opinions on important issues of common concern;

(2) We share experience relating to party administration and governing our countries so as to provide a reference for our respective development;

(3) We explore ways of promoting Sino-African economic and trade cooperation through inter-party channels. For instance, when CPC leaders visit African countries, they promote economic and trade projects. When African political party delegations come to China and propose economic and trade cooperation, we also help them. In recent years, we held a series of forums and seminars such as the China-Africa Small and Medium Business Forum and the China-Africa Agricultural Forum, in response to the needs of African countries;

(4) We also promote and participate in people-to-people contacts between China and Africa. For instance, we helped promote media cooperation between China and Africa. African countries and political parties hope China can help African media with their capacity building. At the same time, China hopes to make its voice heard in Africa so that African people will gain a better understanding of China and Sino-African cooperation. Hence, strengthening media cooperation caters to the needs of both China and Africa.

In addition, we held two sessions of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum with the SWAPO Party of Namibia, having established an institutional platform to promote mutual understanding and friendship between young people from China and Africa.

Are there any inter-party exchanges between China and Africa planned for 2013?

In 2013, we will work on the following aspects:

First, we will further deepen our relations with some great parties in African countries, and, at the same time, we will develop relationships with smaller political parties in African countries so that inter-party exchanges can play a greater role in consolidating traditional China-Africa friendship and strengthening mutual political trust.

Second, we will continue our program for sharing experience in governance and to help with personnel training for African countries.

Third, exchanges and cooperation between young leaders from China and African countries will be further promoted.

Last but not least, we will actively promote people-to-people contacts so as to further push forward the China-Africa friendship.