Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will make official visits to five African countries between January 7 to 13.
The visit is in line with a long-standing tradition that has seen Chinese Foreign Ministers begin each year with trips to Africa. The tradition has stood since 1991.
During his visit next week, Wang will make trips to Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Burundi and Zimbabwe.
The Chinese State Councilor is expected to hold bilateral talks with leaders from the five countries aimed at upholding and strengthening existing ties between China and the continent.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, the tradition that sees Africa become the first destination for Chinese Foreign Ministers each year is proof of the time-tested solid friendship between China and Africa.
Noting this 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the inception of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and an important year to implement the outcomes of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, Geng said Wang will strengthen communication and alignment with the African side to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road, uphold China-Africa traditional friendship, and move forward bilateral ties and China-Africa ties during his upcoming visit.
