Wu Bangguo (2nd L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, attends the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, May 21, 2011. Wu, who is on an official visit to Namibia, attended the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
WINDHOEK, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo Saturday urged expansion of the role of China-Africa Young Leaders Forum to serve the overall interests of China-Africa relations.
This was the first of three main suggestions given at the forum's opening ceremony here by Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China's top legislature.
To this end, the forum's work should be integrated into the overall framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) established under the joint initiative of China and African countries in 2000, which has a guiding function in China-Africa cooperation, Wu said.
China is ready to give necessary support and assistance as the youth forum grows, he said.
Wu described the Young Leaders Forum as a new yet important platform for China and Africa to increase exchanges among their young people, and a major event in the friendly exchanges between the young people of China and Africa. Moreover, he said that this forum plays a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and African peoples.
Second, Wu also suggested the Young Leaders Forum should promote the traditional friendship between China and Africa. "Our traditional friendship, forged and nurtured by Chinese and African leaders of the older generation, is an inexhaustible source of strength and a valuable asset supporting the robust growth of China-Africa relations," he said.
"I hope our young friends will make it their mission to carry forward the China-Africa traditional friendship," Wu said, adding that emphasis should be given to strengthening the friendly exchanges and mutual understanding between Chinese and African youths.
Third, Wu suggested the Young Leaders Forum promote China-Africa practical cooperation, an important task in advancing China-Africa ties.
"I hope you will bring into full play the advantage of the forum as one that brings talented people together, and offer suggestions and recommendations on enhancing China-Africa practical cooperation," he said.
"I hope you will serve as a bridge for companies and enterprises to strengthen cooperation and contribute your share to greater exchanges between people of the two sides," he said.
Wu arrived in Namibia Thursday afternoon to visit the country as a guest of Speaker of the Namibian National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab.
Namibia is the first leg of Wu's four-nation trip, which also includes visits to Angola, South Africa and Maldives.
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, attends the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Wu Bangguo (6th L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, takes a group photo with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba (6th R, front), Speaker of the Namibian National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab (5th R, front) and some other delegates to the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Photo taken on May 21, 2011, shows the scene of the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, capital of Namibia. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Wu Bangguo (4th L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, attends the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Speaker of the Namibian National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab addresses the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba addresses the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Namibian youths sing and dance during the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)
Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, secretary-general of Namibia's South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), addresses the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, May 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)