The new team of Chinese leaders hope to help African countries to transform their competitive advantage in natural resources into a development tool, China's ambassador to Benin, Tao Weiguang, has said.

The ambassador who was speaking on Thursday in Cotonou, outlined China's engagement with the whole world, but more particularly with Africa. "After coming to power, President Xi Jinping chose Africa for his first official foreign visit by going to countries such as Tanzania, the Republic of Congo and South Africa," he said, noting this choice justified the importance that China accords its African partners.

"The visits, in addition to several discussions that the Chinese president has had with other African leaders, have strengthened the friendly cooperation between the continent and China," he added.

He said the vision of the new Chinese leaders is to redefine the concept of morality and interests to reinforce the friendship and cooperation with the neighboring countries as well as the developing countries, especially the African continent.

"During his visits to the African continent, Xi clearly presented to the African leaders the China Africa Policy, which emphasizes sincerity, concrete results, respect for sovereignty and honest cooperation with Africa," he explained.

On several occasions, the ambassador said, the Chinese president has also reiterated the need to develop a mutually beneficial and win-win Sino-Africa cooperation, by affirming that China will meet all its obligations without giving any conditionality. Endi