On December 4 local time, President Xi Jinping held a group meeting in Johannesburg with leaders of 13 African nations. The leaders present at the meeting spoke highly of the achievements yielded in China-Africa relations, wished the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation a success, exchanged views on China-Africa relationship and bilateral relations, and offered advice and suggestions on China-Africa cooperation.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Ikililou Dhoinine of Comoros, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina of Madagascar, President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili of Lesotho, Head of Government Abdelilah Benkirane of Morocco, Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi of Rwanda, Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and other leaders were present at the meeting.

Xi Jinping pointed out that his African visit has two purposes: the first is to co-chair the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and the other is to review friendship and discuss development blueprint with African leaders. Strengthening solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa for common development serves the common interests of both sides and the shared mission of both sides. At present, China and Africa need each other in development, and can complement each other in their endeavor for growth, bringing bilateral cooperation with a historic opportunity. Themed as "China-Africa Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development", the FOCAC Summit is of great realistic significance and reflects the common voice of China and Africa.

Xi Jinping briefed the African leaders on China's economic situation as well as its development goals, ideas and direction set at the fifth plenary session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, stressing that China will continue to make greater contributions to Africa's development and welcomes Africa to ride on the fast train of China's development, so as to make China's development result better benefit the Chinese and African people.

African leaders attending the meeting said that China is a great friend of Africa, and it is admirable that China attaches great importance to African nations. Over the past 15 years since the establishment of the FOCAC, China and Africa have constantly consolidated solidarity and African countries have become China's strategic partners. China has vigorously helped Africa in its economic development and livelihood cause. To achieve industrialization and agriculture modernization, African countries need to further intensify cooperation with China. The China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative is equally important to Africa, and the African nations welcome China to take an active part in railways, roads, ports and other infrastructure and connectivity construction on the continent and transfer its quality production capacity to Africa. The FOCAC Summit in Johannesburg will inject new impetus into the in-depth development of China-Africa cooperation.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the meeting.