In the heart of the ancient capital Beijing, a significant milestone in the history of Sino-African friendship was commemorated. On the evening of September 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping and his wife, celebrated soprano Peng Liyuan, hosted a grand reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, welcoming the distinguished guests from Africa and the international community who were attending the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. This summit marked the fourth time such a gathering was held under the Forum, following the 2006 Beijing Summit, the 2015 Johannesburg Summit, and the 2018 Beijing Summit, and it was the largest and most notable主场外交 event China had hosted in recent years.
A Celebration of Friendship and Cooperation
As the world undergoes rapid changes, the unity and self-strengthening of China and Africa have set a new standard for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. As dusk fell, the Great Hall of the People’s North Hall was aglow with lights, adorned with a majestic display of flags. The hall was flanked by the Chinese flag and over 50 flags from African countries, as well as the flag of the African Union, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and warmth.
President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan, his wife, arrived at the North Hall at around 6:40 pm, warmly greeting the international guests who had come to attend the summit. Among them were long-standing friends such as President Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, President盖莱 of Djibouti, and President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who had attended all three previous summits, as well as newly-elected leaders like President Goita of Mali, President Faure of Senegal, and President Mohamed of Chad.
The distinguished guests, including the heads of state from 51 African countries, two presidential representatives, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, arrived in sequence, and President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan greeted them with warm handshakes and friendly exchanges.
A Visual Symphony of Friendship
In front of the grand mural of the Great Wall, President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan took a collective photograph with the international guests, creating a memorable snapshot of the Sino-African family in the new era.
The mural then slowly opened, revealing a picturesque scene where children, dressed in costumes from their respective cultures, carried the flags of the Forum’s member states and sang heartily. Along the way to the reception hall, children in colorful costumes danced and welcomed the distinguished guests with songs and laughter.
The Power of Shared Dreams
The reception was not just a celebration of friendship but also a testament to the shared dreams of progress. President Xi Jinping’s speech emphasized the continuity and strength of the Sino-African friendship, regardless of global changes. The reception was followed by a cultural performance that highlighted the vitality and enthusiasm of both Chinese and African cultures.
Cultural Harmony and Modernity
The performance featured a fusion of African drumming and Chinese Anse Waist Drumming, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The show was not just a display of artistic talent but also a celebration of the shared cultural heritage between China and Africa. It showcased the power of cultural exchange and the unity of the global south.
A Road to a Shared Future
The summit’s main theme, Sustainable Development and Shared Prosperity in the Era of Modernization, was echoed in the speeches and performances. The President highlighted the significant achievements of the Forum over the past 24 years, emphasizing the transformative impact of the projects undertaken by both China and Africa.
Conclusion
The 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a testament to the enduring friendship and mutual cooperation between China and Africa. It was a platform for sharing experiences, celebrating achievements, and charting a course for the future. The summit, like its predecessors, was a beacon of hope and a testament to the shared dreams of a community with a shared future, aiming to contribute to the global efforts towards a more inclusive and sustainable world.
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