This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Xi Jinping's Speech at Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 ¶
On June 17, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 via video conference from Beijing.
President Xi Jinping called for greater efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa.
He noted that the sudden onslaught of COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on countries around the world, with the loss of several hundred thousand precious lives, and expressed condolences to the families of those who have tragically passed away due to COVID-19.
President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to its longstanding friendship with Africa, stating that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China shall never waver in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation with Africa.
He outlined several key measures that China will take to support Africa's response to COVID-19, including providing supplies, sending expert teams, and facilitating Africa's procurement of medical supplies in China.
President Xi Jinping also emphasized the importance of enhancing China-Africa cooperation, particularly in the areas of public health, economic reopening, and people's livelihood.
He called on the international community, especially developed countries and multilateral financial institutions, to act more forcefully on debt relief and suspension for Africa.
President Xi Jinping concluded by emphasizing the importance of upholding multilateralism and taking China-Africa friendship forward, stating that closer cooperation between China and Africa is needed, more than ever, to address the new opportunities and challenges facing the world.
