African experts have praised China's role in advancing the right to development across the continent, highlighting that its efforts will reshape the future of human rights initiative.
The remarks were made as the First China-Africa Human Rights Seminar was held on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, under the theme "Building the China-Africa community with a shared future and working together to realize the right to development".
The event brought together more than 200 policymakers, scholars, diplomats, and media representatives from China and Africa to explore ways to advance human rights, particularly the right to development.
With a commitment to fostering dialogue, the seminar showcased China's robust experiences in human rights protection, offering a new perspective on cooperation between nations.
Attendees at this event emphasized the importance of China's leading role in safeguarding human rights.
"Clearly, China has been in the field of human rights as pronounced as we have seen the other world be. So, for me, that is a game changer," said Crispin Kaheru, Commissioner of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, in an interview with China Global Television Network.
"China brings the historical experience -- the China-Africa experience. We fought against Colonialism together," said Antoine Lokongo, an attendee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to the participants, this event created an invaluable platform for assessing and analyzing challenges in human rights. Some called it more than just a seminar, but a foundation for future collaborations focusing on human dignity and equality.
Experts highlight China's role in advancing Africa's human rights development
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
