International forum on Yan’an Spirit and Poverty Elimination in China held to promote China-Africa cooperation

Chinese and African scholars and officials held discussions on China-Africa cooperation, especially in regards to poverty alleviation, at an international forum held in Yan’an, Shaanxi province, on July 31.

The forum, named the International forum on Yan’an Spirit and Poverty Elimination in China, focused on the latest developments, policies, procedures, best practices, opportunities and challenges in poverty alleviation.

In the past a few days, the African ambassadors visited agricultural parks and villages in Yan’an to learn about China’s experiences in the elimination of poverty. They also visited historical sites about the development of the Communist Party of China in Yan’an to further understand the Yan’an spirit.

Ambassador Rahamtalla M. Osman, permanent representative of the African Union to China, said at the forum that Africa has a lot to learn from China. “China’s remarkable achievements in poverty reduction in recent years have made it the first developing country to achieve its poverty-reduction target set by the Millennium Development Goals. China’s poverty reduction approach serves as a useful model for Africa,” he said.

Addressing poverty and achieving sustainable development are the common agendas of China and Africa cooperation, Osman said. “In the past two decades, since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the strategic partnership has made vital and formidable footsteps in the struggle for sustainable development and improved living conditions for the people in Africa, and has delivered some concrete outcomes that are beneficial to both sides,” he said.

Wang Qilong, vice-president of the Xi’an International Studies University, welcomed the African delegation to visit Yan’an, saying that China had made great contribution to the world’s poverty alleviation by helping such a large number of people get rid of poverty.

“China has provided a solution for poverty alleviation around the world based on its experiences and innovation,” Wang said. “The Chinese government has combined the efforts from societies and industries to help develop the rural area, aiming at helping poor people gain their own ways to make a better life.”

Wang said China has been advocating the world’s poverty alleviation work by providing support to other developing countries without any conditions.

According to official data, between 1949 and 2015, China has offered approximately 400 billion yuan to 166 countries and international organizations to try to help alleviate poverty, Wang said. 

“It’s part of Chinese traditional culture to cherish friendships and take responsibility,” he added. “The forum bringing us gathering here in Yan’an will help to enhance the friendship between China and Africa.”

Xi’an International Studies University signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the China-Africa Institute in 2020, to deepen communication in science and academic research from both sides, and promote China-Africa cooperation. 

In April, the university established the Africa research center, which is expected to contribute towards strengthening cultural and educational exchanges between China and Africa.

The forum was held by the China-Africa Institute and Shaanxi government’s foreign affairs office.

Lu Hongyan contributed to the story