UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed on Saturday the
announcement of the Chinese government to double its aid to Africa
by 2009.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan sent his warm
congratulations to all participants in the Third Summit of the
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
He believed that "as Africans demonstrate renewed resolve to
address the challenges confronting their continent, they can
benefit greatly from the experience of their friends in China, who
have had such success in sustaining growth and reducing
poverty."
Annan noted that China and Africa have always spoken with one
voice for common aims of development and economic progress.
"This Summit is a historic opportunity for China and Africa to
build on these shared ideals, and to advance South-South
cooperation," he concluded.
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(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2006)