Economic, social progress key to addressing African conflicts

China said on Monday that effectively helping Africa achieve economic growth and social progress is the fundamental means to address the root causes of African conflicts, calling for the enhancement of international coordination and collaboration.

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at an opening meeting of the UN Security Council on peace and security in Africa, which is themed on "prevention of conflicts in Africa: addressing the root causes."

Africa remains the continent with the highest concentration of conflicts and most fragile security situation, Li said, stressing that taking effective measures to prevent African conflicts is of great significance for the maintenance of peace and security in the world.

"We call on the international community, in light of the priority areas identified by African countries themselves, to further increase investment in Africa," he said. "Comprehensively under the commitment of assistance and debt relief, walking the talk is essential."

The Chinese ambassador underlined that Africa is by no means any country's "private plot" and called on the developed countries to "be positive and open-minded in viewing the mutual beneficial cooperation between the emerging countries and Africa" and "work together with them for the rejuvenation and development of Africa."

"Resources and capacity constraints represent the biggest bottle neck for African countries and regional organizations in addressing the root causes of conflicts," Li said. "We call on the international community, in light of the need of Africa, to actively provide assistance in such areas as politics, capital, technology and capacity building."

Li also emphasized that the international community should "fully respect the choice of Africa and refrain from arbitrary intervention and imposing their ideas on others."

"Various agencies of the United Nations, relevant countries and regional organizations should further enhance communication, provide resources so as to maximize synergy and actively help Africa eliminate the root causes of conflicts," Li added.