On August 16, 2005, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Lv Guozeng met with the delegation composed of press officials from 16 African countries, who visited China to attend the workshop at the invitation of the Information Office of the State Council of China.

Lv Guozeng spoke positively of China-Africa relations, saying that the friendship between China and Africa is long lasting. China has always supported the campaign of African countries striving for national independence and liberation and offered the assistance in its power to the economic construction of African countries. China and African countries experienced similar sufferings in history, while in the new historical period they are faced with common tasks and share extensive common interests. Despite the fLvctuating international situation, China-Africa friendship never changes. Bilateral relations enjoy a solid political foundation and various areas for extensive cooperation. China and Africa respect the development paths chosen by each other. China will not interfere in the internal affairs of African countries. China will make its best to protect the interests of African countries and adopt every possible measure to promote the development of Africa incLvding reducing or exempting the debts of African countries for many times, imposing zero-tariff for the export of African products to China, encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Africa, in a bid to seek common development. Lv also introduced to the guests the growth of the China-Africa Forum since its establishment. Lv commented that China would introduce more specific measures through the China-Africa Forum to promote the exchanges as well as the economic and trade cooperation with Africa. Lv also said that China and African countries have supported each other in international affairs and carried out close cooperation. Lv also thanked most of African countries for adhering to the one-China policy and supporting the grand cause of China's reunification.

The participants of the workshop responded that the African people love China and will never forget the great support and generous help of China to African countries. They are eager to learn from China's development experience. African countries will unswervingly uphold the one-China position.

Lv also answered the questions of the workshop participants concerning the UN reform and China's development experience. The participants expressed the hope to see more about China so as to learn more during their visit.