China stands ready to work with the people of Africa to boost co-operation for the benefit of all involved, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, stated on Thursday according to Chinese official newspaper China Daily.

Mr Xi made his remarks in Johannesburg at a banquet held to welcome leaders taking part in the Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Summit is being held on Friday and Saturday in that South African city.

The Chinese President said there was a shared responsibility to maintain and strengthen the longstanding friendship between China and the people of Africa. He added the development strategies of both sides were highly compatible.

China and Africa both have the need – and the resources – to expand co-operation for common development, Mr Xi stated.

China’s Ministry of Commerce last week announced China would present a range of proposals at the FOCAC Summit, including a boosting of investment in Africa and the importation of more products from that continent.