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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27484, member: 2262"] Africa must join global progress efforts for the world to move forward, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He spoke yesterday about how Africa matters deeply to humanity's future. The world needs to hear African voices and address what they care about. Yi shared these thoughts when meeting with reporters during the National People's Congress's third session. China has built close friendships with every African country that recognizes them diplomatically. These partnerships have reached their strongest point ever under President Xi Jinping and African leaders. Chinese companies created more than 1.1 million jobs for Africans during just the past three years. China has remained the top trading partner for African nations for sixteen years straight. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation celebrates 25 years of teamwork this year. During that time, China helped construct or fix almost 100,000 kilometers of African roads. They also built or improved over 10,000 kilometers of railways across the continent. Yi emphasized that China brings real, visible benefits to African communities through these projects. Zimbabwe and China share deep connections dating back to the 1960s freedom struggles. China provided military help during those hard times. When Western countries placed sanctions on Zimbabwe early this century, China stayed loyal as a friend and business partner. Trade between these nations has expanded greatly under President Mnangagwa's leadership. Chinese investors have poured billions into Zimbabwe, especially for mining and manufacturing. Major projects include the $3.6 billion Palm River Energy zone in Beitbridge and the $1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel plant at Manhize. Other important investments support ferrochrome smelting and lithium mining operations through several Chinese companies. Infrastructure development shows China's commitment to Zimbabwe through many large projects. They funded the $997 million Hwange power station expansion and the $533 million Kariba South hydro plant. Chinese money was also paid for upgrading both Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls Airport for $152 million and $150 million, respectively. Beyond these projects, China gave Zimbabwe a $140 million grant to build its new Parliament building at Mt Hampden. The partnership extends into healthcare, with substantial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese help with drilling boreholes across rural areas improved agricultural production. These strong ties benefit many sectors of Zimbabwe's economy. These partnerships align perfectly with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 goals for modernization and industrial growth. China proves itself as a reliable partner through actions that bring concrete results. African progress represents hope for the entire 21st century. Minister Wang stated clearly that worldwide development cannot succeed without including African nations. [/QUOTE]

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