Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's seven-nation African tour is "fruitful" and has achieved the objective of deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, broadening cooperation and seeking common development between China and Africa, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Saturday in Kampala.

Li, who accompanied Wen to Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda, told Chinese reporters that the tour has drawn wide attention from African and international media and will have a far-reaching impact on China-Africa relations in the new era.

The Chinese and African peoples have forged a profound friendship by sympathizing with, supporting and helping each other in their fight for national independence and in their nation building, said Li.

Premier Wen's official visit, aimed at deepening China-Africa friendship, was warmly welcomed by the African people, said Li. He noted that leaders from both sides said they were feeling the warmth of friendship between their peoples although China and Africa are far apart geographically.

Both China and African nations belong to the developing world and there are huge potentials for China and Africa to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation and seek common development, as the economies of China and African countries are highly complementary.

In South Africa, Wen elaborated on China's policy of building anew type of strategic partnership with Africa under the principle of sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development.

During the visit, China signed outlines with Egypt and South Africa on deepening strategic and cooperative relations between them, and issued joint communiques with the other five African nations on further developing bilateral cooperation.

China signed with the seven countries a total of 71 agreements covering politics, economy, trade, infrastructure, culture, education and science and technology.

China also pledged continued aids to help the seven nations in their social development, including building primary schools in the rural area, sending medical teams, and helping train various professionals.

As for China-Africa cooperation, the priority should be given to meeting the practical needs of African countries, Wen stressed, adding that efforts should be made to increase Africa's economic strength and accelerate its social development.

Wen also emphasized that substantial efforts should be made to help Africa promote education, sanitation and other social welfares. Chinese businesses in Africa should guarantee the quality of their projects and pay attention to environmental protection.

In recent years, some people have begun to spread the theory of "China Threat" in Africa and there are some African friends who have voiced concerns about the impact of Chinese products on the African market and employment, Li said.

In this regard, Premier Wen elaborated on China's policy and stand concerning Africa at formal talks with leaders of the countries, at news conferences and on other occasions during his African tour.

Wen emphasized that China is sincerely concerned with Africa and helps Africa, and is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Africa on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in others' internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, Li said.

The irresponsible remarks by some people about China's policy toward Africa neither conform to historical facts nor the state of the relations between China and Africa, Wen noted.

In fact, African countries have spoken highly of China's policy toward Africa and appreciated China's help in Africa's development, Li said.

They all agree that China's development offers opportunities for Africa and China is a reliable friend and partner of Africa.

Li said he is convinced that the China-Africa friendship, which has stood the test of time, will enjoy an even brighter future.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2006)