2011 marks the 55th anniversary of the start of contemporary friendly relations between the People's Republic of China and African countries. Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu's recent African trip gave another boost to the burgeoning China-Africa ties, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun. Hui visited five African countries - Mauritius, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and Senegal - from January 6 to 19. Agriculture and trade were some of the most promising areas of cooperation between China and these countries, said Zhai in a recent interview with ChinAfrica. Excerpts follow:

CHINAFRICA: What was the significance of Vice Premier Hui's visit? What message did he deliver to the African people? What were the highlights of his visit?

Zhai Jun: Vice Premier Hui's trip to the five African countries at the beginning of 2011 was a major diplomatic event between China and Africa. It was of great significance to further solidifying and strengthening China's friendly cooperation with the five countries, facilitating the implementation of the outcomes of the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) [held in November 2009 in Egypt] and promoting the development of the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership.

The Chinese Government cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Africa. It also attaches great importance to developing friendly cooperation with Africa. Building on their traditional friendship, China and Africa continued to make progress in their bilateral relations during the first decade of the 21st century. In the future, China is willing to work together with African countries to expand the areas, innovate new means and raise the level of cooperation. Through these joint efforts, we will continue to take our friendly collaboration to higher levels and bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both China and Africa.

During his trip, Vice Premier Hui exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest with African leaders. They held in-depth discussions on strengthening practical cooperation in various areas, especially agriculture, trade, water projects and culture, with a number of agreements signed. The vice premier also visited some projects jointly developed by China and African countries.

As China-Africa relations continue to develop, China is building a new type of partnership with Africa. How do you characterize this partnership? How is this partnership different from the assistance of Western countries?

I'd like to point out that rapid progress has been made in China-Africa cooperation in recent years, attracting extensive international attention. But unlike what Western media reported, China did not suddenly start its presence in Africa and cooperation with African countries only a few years ago. In fact, China provided assistance to Africa to the best of its ability as early as in the 1950s and the 1960s, when China contributed greatly to African countries' national independence and economic and social development.

China-Africa cooperation has gained momentum in recent years. I think the "newness" of the relationship is manifest in part in the way China-Africa cooperation has adjusted to the new needs of the times, expanded to new areas, embraced new content, explored new means and adopted new modes. It is also embodied in the way China-Africa cooperation has always abided by the core principles of equality, pragmatism, good faith and openness. While working together with African countries, China does not interfere in African countries' domestic affairs. We respect their right to choose their own path of development. Our aid might be limited, but it has all gone to life-improving projects. And we always deliver what we promise. Our cooperation with Africa is open and inclusive. It does not compromise other countries' interests in Africa. These features anchor the new type of China-Africa cooperation, set it apart from the traditional form of cooperation Western countries have had with Africa and win it extensive support from African countries and people.