China will, under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, strengthen cooperation with Africa on priority sectors identified under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), said an action plan adopted by the Second Ministerial Conference of the forum on Tuesday.

 

China has promised to cooperate with African countries in infrastructure development, prevention and treatment of communication and infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, etc.), human resources development and agriculture, according to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Addis Ababa Action Plan (2004-2006).

 

"In order to promote and develop a mutually beneficial cooperation in all these sectors, both parties need to enhance consultation and coordination," the action plan noted.

 

The Second Ministerial Conference of the forum was held in Addis Ababa on Dec. 15-16, with the attendance of foreign ministers and ministers in charge of international economic cooperation from China and more than 40 African countries.

 

The conference was the first of its kind held on the African continent.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2003)