On October 9, 2000, the Press Center for China-Africa Cooperation Forum - Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 held the first press conference at Beijing Hotel. The two Co-Chairmen of the preparatory committee of the forum, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding and Vice Foreign Trade Minister Sun Guangxiang briefed the preparatory work of the Forum and the impact to be produced by the Forum on the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between China and African countries. During the preparation process, following the principle of being democratic and open, the Chinese side has contacted and discussed with African countries on details of the Forum at various levels and through different channels. At present, the preparation work of the Forum has been concluded.


The Forum will focus on two topics: how to push ahead with the establishment of a fair and just new international political and economic order in the 21st century so as to safeguard the common interests of the developing countries, and how to promote Sino-African concrete economic and trade cooperation under new circumstances. In due time, President Eyadema of Togo, President Bouteflika of Algeria, President Chiluba of Zambia, President Mkapa of Tanzania and Secretary-General Salim of the Organization of African Unity will attend the meeting. At the same time, foreign ministers and foreign cooperation and trade ministers from about 40 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China will also be present. In addition, representatives from some international and regional institutions will attend the Forum as special guests.