Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing the initiative as a milestone in deepening friendship and mutual understanding between China and African countries.
In the letter released on Thursday, Xi said the decision to organize the year of people-to-people exchanges coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and reflects an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides. He noted that the initiative marks a significant step toward consolidating public support for China–Africa relations at a new historical starting point.
Xi emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for human progress, as well as for world peace and development. He pointed out that the great civilizations of China and Africa have enriched each other over thousands of years, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of the enduring China–Africa friendship.
The Chinese leader called on both sides to seize the opportunity presented by the exchange year to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen civilizational dialogue, and expand people-to-people interactions, particularly among young people. He also urged deeper exchanges of experience in governance and closer cooperation in advancing modernization.
According to Xi, such efforts will help strengthen bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, uniting their aspirations and strengths. He added that closer cooperation would enable both sides to make fresh contributions to Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges, promoting common human values, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The designation of 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges stems from agreements at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
It aligns with a broader theme of “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization,” featuring a range of activities in education, culture, tourism, sports, science, technology, and health.
The opening ceremony coincides with ongoing high-level engagements, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visits to several African nations and attendance at related events at the African Union headquarters.
