A six-point proposal to deepen the new type of strategic partnership was offered by China and the involved African countries in the Beijing Declaration of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) issued in Beijing on Friday.

With the aim of promoting the development of the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange, the declaration suggested the two sides further strengthen political consultation and strategic dialogue, increase high-level visits, enhance the sharing of experience in governance, and respect and support each other's core interests regarding various issues including sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The document called on the sides to increase their exchanges and cooperation in operationalizing Africa's Peace and Security Architecture, continuing to support and assist African countries in increasing their capabilities for maintaining peace and security, and enhance coordination and other multilateral institution.

"We call on the international community to support the efforts of African countries and regional organizations in independently resolving African issues," read the declaration.

The declaration suggested strengthening China's cooperation with the African Union (AU), take joint measures to promote Africa's solidarity, harmony and strength through unity, and support measures for African regional integration and sustainable development efforts through the AU and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

According to the declaration, China and the involved African countries pledged to fully explore and utilize each other's comparative advantages, expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation and balanced trade, adopt innovative ways to boost cooperation, improve cooperation environment and properly handle problems and difficulties arising in cooperation.

The two sides should continue to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation in a bid to vigorously carry out the dialogue between China and Africa, said the declaration.

Finally, China and involved African countries suggested further strengthening cooperation between the two sides in international affairs, taking into full account each other's legitimate concerns and aspirations, strengthening coordination and mutual support, and working together to promote democracy in international relations and build a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity.

The FOCAC is a collective consultation and dialogue mechanism between China and African countries launched in 2000. This year's forum runs on July 19-20.

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2012)