On August 10, 2009, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with a joint press delegation from African English-speaking countries. Zhai said to strengthen China-Africa friendly cooperative relations is a long-term, firm strategic choice made by both sides and is also in the common interest of both sides. In recent years, the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership has been deepening with frequent high-level visits. The pragmatic cooperation on economy, trade and other areas has been advancing in a comprehensive and in-depth manner and both sides have maintained mutual support and close coordination on major international and regional issues. The implementation of follow-up actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has entered the last phase and China will earnestly fulfill its commitments to Africa. The fourth ministerial meeting of the FOCAC will be held in Egypt in November. The meeting will evaluate the implementation of follow-up actions of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC and make overall planning for China-Africa cooperation for the next three years. The meeting will be of great significance to furthering China-Africa relations and enhancing China-Africa cooperation in all areas under the new situation. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Africa to well hold the meeting and push China-Africa cooperation to a new level.

Zhai pointed out that China and Africa share similar historical experience and face the same development task. The China-Africa friendly cooperative relations, which are equal, sincere and mutually beneficial, have brought tangible benefits to both sides. Under the new situation, China will continue to work with Africa to enrich and advance the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership based on the principle of sincere friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development so as to bring more benefits to both peoples.

Zhai made positive comments on the efforts of the Chinese and African media in pushing forward bilateral cooperation and friendship. He highlighted the importance of the role played by media in the development of China-Africa relations, expressing hope that the media of both sides will increase exchanges. He expressed welcome for more African media to make reporting trips to China and make contributions to building mutual understanding and friendship. Zhai also took questions from the journalists on issues including China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, human resources training and China's development prospect.

The press delegation is composed of chiefs and senior journalists of mainstream media from 15 countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania. Besides Beijing, they will also go to Qingdao and Shanghai for reporting.