On September 19, 2006, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with a 24-member joint press delegation from French-speaking African countries. Zhai made positive comments on Sino-African friendly relations and cooperation, stressing that the core content of developing China-Africa comprehensive cooperation in the new circumstances is to establish and promote a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, win-win economic cooperation and cultural exchange. Zhai briefed the delegation on the significance of and preparations for the Beijing summit and the third ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), noting the Chinese government is willing to work with African countries to make the summit an opportunity to promote friendly cooperation. Zhai told the delegation that he hoped they would gain a comprehensive understanding of China, and of the traditional friendship between the Chinese and African peoples. He urged the delegates to inform the African people about China so as to promote the mutual understanding and friendship between both sides. Zhai also answered questions about China-Africa trade, China's measures to support the development of Africa and the Taiwan question.
The delegation is visiting China at the invitation of the Foreign Ministry Information Department. Besides Beijing, they will also visit Gansu Province and Shanghai Municipality.