Cameroon has a long history and brilliant culture. It is full of vitality and potential for development. Under the leadership of President Biya, the Cameroon Government and people have embarked upon a path of development suited to Cameroon's national conditions and have achieved stability, ethnic unity, economic growth and social progress.
Despite the vast distance between China and Cameroon, the two peoples enjoy a brotherly friendship. In the past 36 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, we have always enjoyed mutual understanding, trust, respect and support, and developed fruitful cooperation in political affairs, economy and trade, culture, education and public health. This has boosted the development and progress of both countries and brought real benefits to our peoples. The congress building, the Yaounde Hospital of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Paediatrics as well as the multi-functional stadium that will soon be completed on the 5.20 Avenue stand as symbols of China-Cameroon friendship and cooperation. The Chinese medical teams in Guider, Mbalmayo and Ngousso bring to the local people medical services, and in doing so, add building blocks to China-Cameroon friendship.
The Cameroon Government values its relations with China. President Biya paid several visits to China, contributing to the growth of Cameroon's relations with China and bringing our two peoples closer. China treasures its traditional friendly relations with Cameroon. Chinese President Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to Cameroon in the coming days. I am sure this visit will deepen our mutual understanding and friendship, expand our cooperation and bring China-Cameroon friendship and cooperation to a new level.
The friendly exchanges between China and Africa have a long history of more than 2000 years. In more than half a century since the inauguration of their diplomatic relations in 1956, China and Africa have, supporting each other and sharing weal and woe in their struggle for liberation and sovereignty, forged a profound friendship. China and Africa treat each other as equals with sincerity and goodwill and work closely for common development, achieving remarkable progress in their respective pursuit of national and economic development. I was posted in Africa for 10 years. As China's foreign minister, I always return to Africa as I make my first overseas visit in the new year, and each time I was greatly encouraged by Africa's new progress and deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Africa. At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in November 2006, China and Africa established a new type of strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange. Chinese President Hu Jintao announced eight measures to enhance practical cooperation with Africa, bringing China-Africa friendship to a new level.
China is the biggest developing country, and Africa is home to the largest number of developing countries. Both of us shoulder the historical mission of national development and rejuvenation. To strengthen friendly cooperation, share development opportunities and meet challenges together serves the fundamental interests of both sides and contributes to global peace and development. China will step up its efforts to implement the decisions made at the Beijing Summit, including the eight measures announced by President Hu Jintao during the Summit to enhance the new type China-Africa strategic partnership, and strengthen the all-round and practical cooperation with Africa to bring real benefit to Africa and its people. I am convinced that by working together, we can certainly create an even brighter future for China-Africa relations.