Beijing, March 29th—The International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) held here today via videolink a seminar themed on “paths toward modernization suitable to national conditions: exploration and practice of political parties of China and Africa”. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Lechesa Tsenoli, Member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Central Committee and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Akpan Udoedeghe, National Secretary of the Transition Committee of the All Progressives Congress of Nigeria, Tairou Babiègue, Vice President of the Union for the Republic (UNIR) of Togo and others attended and addressed the function. Leaders of 17 African political parties from 16 countries and directors of some media outlets for political parties were present.

Song said, since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core, by coordinating the strategy of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the changes unseen in a century in the world, has brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty in China, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarked on the new journey of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. China’s path to modernization proceeds from China’s realities, upholds and develops socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has fundamentally transformed the destiny of the Chinese nation, changed the world’s landscape long been dominated by Western modes of modernization, blazed a trail for other developing countries to achieve modernization, and contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to the progress of mankind.

Song said today’s world sees the impacts of COVID-19 compounded with major changes unseen in a century. Political parties of China and Africa shoulder heavy responsibility for deeply exploring and promoting modernization. The CPC is willing to continue to implement the important consensus reached by General Secretary Xi Jinping and leaders of political parties of African countries. The CPC stands ready to, in a spirit of mutual respect and mutual learning, work with African political parties to enhance experience exchange in state governance and administration, jointly implement the "Nine Projects" of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation, promote the implementation of Global Development Initiative in Africa, help Africa realize modernization at a faster pace, jointly maintain the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, reject unilateralism and hegemony, and promote world fairness and justice. Media outlets for political parties are a major front of theory for the Parties, and serve as a bridge between the Parties and the people. It is hoped that political parties of China and Africa will propel exchange and cooperation among media outlets for political parties, and tell well the story of the traditional friendship between China and Africa and our joint exploration of modernization, to make positive contributions to the building of a high-level community with a shared future between China and Africa.

Tsenoli and other leaders of African political parties spoke highly of China’s great achievements made under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core such as ending extreme poverty, combating corruption, and successfully coping with the COVID-19 epidemic. The African side highly praised the CPC’s success in blazing a path to modernization suitable to China’s conditions under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and with the commitment to a people-centered philosophy and the concept of serving for the people. They called it not only the success for China, but also contributions to the world, and sets an example for African countries. African political parties all expressed the willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation with the CPC, including boosting cooperation among media outlets for political parties, consolidate the public opinion of Africa-China friendship, and boost Africa-China relations for greater development.

Li Mingxiang, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), presided over the meeting.

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