Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed the hope that his visit to Africa will further deepen China-Africa traditional friendship, upgrade practical cooperation, enhance solidarity and mutual assistance and promote common development.

He made the remarks in a joint interview with African media before his departure to Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya, according to a press release on Sunday.

"This is the first time that I set foot on Africa as Premier of China's State Council and it is also my first foreign visit this year," he said in the press release.

"I believe this visit will be one of cooperation and solidarity on the basis of past traditions. I will tread the path of friendship previously paved by the older generation of Chinese and African leaders, where I will feel the deep friendship based on solidarity and mutual assistance between the Chinese and African people, see for myself Africa's dynamic economic and social development, and listen to the African people's description of their expectation of good life in the future," he said.

He added he was more than ready to make concrete efforts to deepen China-Africa relations and advance our cooperation in various fields to the greater benefit of our peoples.

Li said that during his visit, he will pay a visit to the headquarters of the African Union and deliver a speech on China's approach to and position on advancing China-Africa relations and cooperation in the new era.

He will have in-depth discussions with leaders of four African countries that he will visit on strengthening bilateral ties and extensively engage with local people from different sectors.

He will address the World Economic Forum on Africa and exchange views with participating leaders of African countries on promoting bilateral relations and cooperation. And he will call on Chinese nationals and staff members of Chinese companies in Africa.

"I hope that my visit will further deepen the China-Africa traditional friendship, upgrade practical cooperation, enhance solidarity and mutual assistance and promote common development. I hope that through my visit, the 1 billion African people will strengthen their understanding that the 1.3 billion Chinese people are always their sincere friends and reliable partners and that China is ready to pass on the relay baton of China-Africa friendship to future generations together with Africa," he said.

"As an African proverb goes, if you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together. The ever fresh friendship and thriving comprehensive cooperation between China and Africa deserve to be valued and cherished by our people," the premier said.

"China will treat the African people with sincerity, strengthen solidarity, promote common development through win-win cooperation and realize our glorious dreams of great renewal at an early date," he said.

Li will visit to four countries and AU headquarter from May 4 to 11, at the invitation of Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn, President of Nigeria Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of Angola Jose Eduardo dos Santos and President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta. 

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