Economic crisis in focus at China-Africa ministerial meeting, Chinese official

BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The fourth ministerial meeting of Chinese and African leaders in Egypt next week focus on strengthening ties amid the economic crisis, said a Chinese official in Beijing Monday.

In a press briefing, Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhai Jun said the influence of the global economic crisis had spread and China-Africa relations faced new opportunities and challenges.

Under such circumstances, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held on Nov. 8 and 9 would be significant for further China-Africa cooperation.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the opening ceremony.

The theme of the meeting was deepening the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership and seeking sustainable development, he said.

Participants will review how the consensus of the Beijing Summit had been implemented, on which Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will make a report.

It will also adopt a Sharm el-Sheikh declaration and an action plan to chart the path for further China-Africa cooperation from 2010 to 2012, said Zhai. China will also announce new measures to help African development.

A senior officials' meeting will be held on Nov. 6, and the third meeting of Chinese-African entrepreneurs will be held on Nov. 7.

Zhai said preparations for the meeting had been carried out smoothly, and the two sides have reached a consensus on the agenda and drafts of the meeting's documents.