Changsha, June 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for more success stories stemming from China-Africa cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering deeper friendship and contributing to the self-reliant development and improved livelihoods of people across the African continent.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a reception held in Changsha, Hunan Province, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Addressing the gathering, Wang cited the inspiring example of Musa Darboe, a farmer and entrepreneur from The Gambia, who has significantly benefited from China’s agricultural assistance — in particular, the adoption of Chinese hybrid rice technology pioneered by renowned scientist Yuan Longping.
Darboe, who was present at the event, recounted how the introduction of Yuan Longping’s hybrid rice had substantially increased his crop yields. With the support of Chinese agricultural experts working in Africa, he said he was able to lift himself and his community out of hunger and poverty, leading to greater prosperity in his hometown.
As a token of gratitude, Darboe brought a sample of his rice from The Gambia to China as a tribute to Yuan Longping, expressing a deep appreciation for the scientist’s legacy. He also conveyed his eagerness to further learn from China’s experience in agricultural modernization and to promote enhanced cooperation between the two nations in the sector.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed that improving the livelihoods of ordinary African citizens remains a key priority of China-Africa relations. He pledged that China would continue to uphold the principles of mutual benefit and shared development, delivering more tangible and sustainable results for people across the African continent.
“China will always remain a trusted partner in Africa’s pursuit of self-reliance and modernization,” Wang stated, adding that the friendship between China and Africa is rooted in sincerity, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
Hunan Province, the venue of the reception, holds special significance as the home of Yuan Longping — celebrated as the “father of hybrid rice” — whose groundbreaking contributions to agriculture have helped alleviate hunger and enhance food security in China and around the world. Yuan passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, but his legacy continues to inspire international cooperation in agricultural development.
The event underscored the enduring strength of the China-Africa partnership under the FOCAC framework and reaffirmed a shared commitment to creating more success stories that uplift communities and foster sustainable growth across the continent.
