China willing to support Horn of Africa in addressing current challenges: Wang Yi

Addis Ababa, January 11, 2022 (FBC) -Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi said his country was willing to support the Horn of African countries in addressing challenges of security, development and governance.

The State Councilor’s comment came following his visit to Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros in early January 2022 where he talked about how China views the current situation in the Horn of Africa.

Wang Yi stated “China is willing to put forward the Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa and support regional countries in addressing challenges of security, development and governance.”

According to a statement the Chinese embassy sent to FBC, the State Councilor highlighted the importance of strengthening intra-regional dialogue, accelerate regional revitalization and explore effective approaches to overcome security, development and governance challenges.

Despite its unique strategic position and great development potential, in recent years, hotspot issues have intensified and sometimes erupted into conflicts and confrontations, which are totally against the interests of people of the countries in the Horn of Africa and should not continue any longer, he said.

Wang Yi emphasized that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a sincere partner of Africa, China will seek greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Africa’s development strategies.

The State Councilor added his country solidly promote the “nine programs” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and make unremitting efforts and play a constructive role in peace and development in the Horn of Africa.