In Beijing, the very first Sino-African youth festival has started. Delegates from 44 African countries have flown to China to attend the event. This afternoon, some of them also held a forum.

They represent the future of Africa. A total of 132 youth leaders have come to China, to exchange opinions and experiences with their Chinese counterparts. They are both surprised and pleased with what they've seen so far of today's China, and are expecting to learn a lot more.

An Egyptian delegate said, "I think it's very good experience for me and all the participants.... know more about other countries."

Organizers of this event planned carefully how to choose these African delegates. They decided to let these countries choose three representatives: one government official, one young entrepreneur and another common person.

Wang Xuefeng, deputy general secretary, said, "After their visit, they'll go back to their country and convey their idea about China to their work mates and friends. For the government officials, their opinion will influence their organizations' idea about China. And for the entrepreneurs, they'll have a more detailed understanding of China."

For most of these representatives, this is the first time they visited China..... But what they think about China will make a difference.

Cultural and economic cooperation between China and Africa has been increasing steadily over the years. Last year, bilateral trade was worth more than 18 billion US dollars. And the volume is increasing at an annual rate of over 20 percent.

China's soaring economy is a solid base for the growth of trade with Africa. China has also put its relations with African countries high on the agenda.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said, "The young people of China and Africa should learn from each other and communicate more. They will be the ones to shoulder the responsibility of protecting world peace and developing their countries in a peaceful environment."

In order to help African countries achieve peaceful development, China has canceled the debts of 31 African countries, a total of 10.5 billion yuan, or about 1.3 billion US dollars.

As representatives of the developing world, China and Africa are determined to work together for a stronger voice in international affairs and to improve the standing of all poorer nations.

The festival will include dialogues between Chinese and African youth leaders and some exchange activities between young entrepreneurs. The African delegates will also visit the central China's provinces of Hubei and Henan before gathering in Guangzhou for a closing ceremony on August 31st.

Next year, Chinese youth leaders will get their chance to learn more about Africa. At the end of the forum, Egypt announced it would host the next China-Africa youth festival.

(CCTV.com August 25, 2004)