Xi urges rich countries to abandon political strings on aid
Updated: 2015-04-22 14:34
(Xinhua)
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Summit 2015 in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, April 22, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] |
JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged developed countries to fulfill their aid commitments and increase assistance to developing nations with no political strings attached.
The South-North cooperation should be based on mutual respect and equality, Xi said at an Asian-African leaders' meeting held here, stressing that developed countries have a binding obligation to help the developing world and narrow down the South-North gap.
Xi said China will unswervingly promote Asia-Africa cooperation under the new circumstances.
He announced that China will grant the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic ties the privilege of free duty on 97 percent of imported products within the year, and will continue to offer assistance to developing countries with no political strings attached.
China is willing to join hands with all parties concerned to implement the "One Belt, One Road" initiatives and set up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, he added.
The Asian-African leaders' meeting opened here Wednesday with the aim of carrying on the Bandung Spirit and promoting common development of the two vibrant continents.
Xi arrived in Indonesia late Tuesday for the summit and commemorative activities for the historic 1955 Bandung Conference.
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Schedule
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Pakistan and attend the Asian-African Summit and activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia from April 20 to 24.
April 22
Attend the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;
Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo;
April 23
Bilateral meetings;
Attend the closing ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;
April 24
Historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka;
Attend activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference;