Beijing Summit on China-Africa cooperation to open

Source: Xinhuanet | 11-04-2006 09:47

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The historic Beijing Summit of the Forum on Sino-African Cooperation (FOCAC) will open at the Great Hall of the People at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, with major Chinese TV and radio networks and websites live broadcasting the opening ceremony.

President Hu Jintao, 41 heads of state or government and senior officials of 48 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China, including Prime Minister of Ethiopia which co-chairs FOCAC, Alpha Oumar Konare, chairman of the Commission of the African Union (AU) and representatives from regional and international organizations, will attend the landmark gathering highlighting "friendship, peace, cooperation and development".

Prior to the opening ceremony, a grand welcoming ceremony is being held at the Great Hall of the People, and Chinese and African leaders will put their signatures on the stamps commemorating the summit.