China, Africa sign MoUs on climate change

The Chinese government announced on Monday that it has signed 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on South-South cooperation on climate change with 17 African countries.

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This was disclosed by government officials during a joint news conference for the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6 2024 in Beijing, China.

The officials include Ms Xu Jianping, Director-General, the Department of Regional Opening-up of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Mr Wang Heming, Director-General, the Bureau of Sub-Saharan African Affairs of International Department, Central Committee of CPC (IDCPC).

They stated that climate change was a common challenge facing mankind, requiring joint efforts from all countries.

The officials highlighted China’s active response to climate change and its constructive promotion of the multilateral process.

“The declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Climate Change defines the establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership on climate change and launches a special action plan.

“China has signed MoUs with 17 African countries in the construction of low-carbon demonstration zones and has provided various forms of assistance, including satellite systems, solar photovoltaic power stations, and energy-saving lamps, to support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.

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“In terms of capacity building, over 400 officials, experts, and technicians from African countries have participated in capacity-building workshops on South-South cooperation on climate change.

“China has also proposed the African Light Belt project to develop and implement cooperation in clean energy development.”

The officials reiterated China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with African countries in tackling climate change, enhance their capacity to address climate change, and contribute to building a win-win global climate governance system.

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