China-Europe cooperation to advance Africa's connectivity: Ex-Austrian defence chief

Infrastructure development in Africa carries great significance. Combining Chinese and European strengths can facilitate a continent-wide connectivity system that unlocks new opportunities, said Werner Fasslabend, director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy and former minister of defence of Austria, at the Global Strategic Dialogue (2026) in Beijing, co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Daily. He also called for local talent training and direct, deep and whole time engagement of Global South institutions and people throughout project management.