“This is the 34th consecutive year that Africa has been the destination for the first annual overseas visit of Chinese foreign ministers,” the spokeswoman confirmed. According to her, the Foreign Minister’s trip aims to promote the implementation of the results of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, discuss preparations for the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and generally consolidate the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. On the other hand, Wang highlighted the importance of collaboration between Beijing and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the fruitful results of the multi-sectoral exchanges with the two countries targeted for the visit.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, as well as the fifth anniversary of the establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership between China and Jamaica,” he added.

The spokeswoman pointed out that the Foreign Minister’s agenda will be a propitious opportunity “to further consolidate the basis of political trust, raise the level of mutually beneficial cooperation and improve communication and coordination on major international and regional issues”.

This will deepen the steady development of relations between China and Latin America, the spokeswoman said.

According to official data, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner in the last decade, with bilateral trade registering a year-on-year increase of 14.8% in 2022.

On the other hand, Beijing has also been Brazil’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years.

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