Nearly 50 African defense and military leaders, officials in charge of peace and security affairs of the African Union (AU), and military attaches of African countries in China attended the forum. Senior Lieutenant General Li Shangfu, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense of China, attended the forum's plenary session and delivered a keynote speech.

With the theme of “Implementing the Global Security Initiative, Strengthening China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation”, this year's forum is held to further strengthen strategic exchanges between defense agencies of the two sides and play an active role in building a China-Africa community of shared destiny in the new era.

View of the plenary session of the third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum. Photo: CCTV

In his keynote speech at the plenary session, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said that China is the largest developing country and Africa is the continent with the most developing countries. China hopes to work with Africa to implement global security initiatives and jointly build a China-Africa community of shared destiny.

Minister Li Shangfu said that in the future, China will promote military cooperation with Africa in areas such as joint exercises and training, peacekeeping, military education and training, so as to bring more stability and positive energy to the world.

As one of the important activities of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum has been successfully held twice, becoming an important platform for China and Africa to strengthen cooperation in the security field. The holding of this forum demonstrates China's determination to strengthen cooperation with African countries to build a world of peace, security and prosperity, which is of great strategic significance for the in-depth development of China-Africa relations.

The third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, will take place from August 28 to September 2, 2023.

KIM GIANG (according to CCTV, Global Times)

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