The Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a landmark in the history of friendship between China and Africa, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Monday.

The summit, to be held from November 3 to 5, is focused on "Friendship, Peace, Cooperation and Development". Both Chinese and African leaders will review the achievements of bilateral friendly cooperation over the past 50 years and the progress made since FOCAC's establishment six years ago.

"A key focus of the summit is to upgrade the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa and inject new vigor into their friendship," said Tang.

China will announce important proposals and initiatives during the summit on strengthening relations with Africa, as well as specific measures to help boost the development of specific African countries, he said.

Leaders from China and Africa will also renew strategic partnership between China and Africa, map out the future for sustaining bilateral cooperation and exchange views on major regional and international issues, Tang added.

Founded by China and Africa in 2000, the FOCAC has become an effective mechanism and important platform for enhancing China-Africa collective dialogue and cooperation in practical terms in the new era. "The successful convocation of the summit will enhance the friendship between the Chinese and African leaders, and promote the comprehensive growth of China-Africa friendship in greater depth and width and lift them to a higher level, "said Tang.

"It also will enhance solidarity of developing countries and South-South cooperation and contribute to the glorious cause of global peace and development," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2006)