BUJUMBURA June 30th (ABP) – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burundi, Zhao Jiangping, spoke in the context of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the mutual support between Burundi and China for the defense of their common interests.
China has spoken loud and clear to defend Burundi’s vital interests in the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council, including for its removal from the Security Council agenda, she said. Likewise, the Chinese will never forget that the Burundian friends have given their firm support on issues touching on the vital interests and major concerns of China, and have made their strongest voice heard at the international level, by taking issue with a policy of hegemony, she added.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burundi noted that the CPC attaches great importance to exchanging experiences on good governance and building the capacity for autonomous development. Regarding China’s involvement in this framework, Zhao Jiangping recalled a few dates: signing of the first Sino-Burundian economic and technical cooperation agreement in 1972; financing in 1977 of the construction of the Mugere hydropower plant; construction in 1985 of the Kamenge Handicraft Training Center.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burundi pointed out that this bilateral cooperation is based on the principle of China’s non-interference in the internal affairs of African countries. The principle she called “Five No’s,” as Chinese President Xi Jinping launched it at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2018.
For the People’s Republic of China, this is “not to interfere in the search for a development path adapted to their national conditions by the African countries”, according to the statement issued by the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Burundi. Do not interfere in African internal affairs; do not impose your will on Africa. It is also an issue of not making the aid of the People’s Republic of China to Africa subject to any political conditions. Finally, it is about not seeking selfish political interests in this investment and financing cooperation with Africa, the statement issued by Zhao Jiangping continues to say.