UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed on Saturday the announcement of the Chinese government to double its aid to Africa by 2009.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan sent his warm congratulations to all participants in the Third Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He believed that "as Africans demonstrate renewed resolve to address the challenges confronting their continent, they can benefit greatly from the experience of their friends in China, who have had such success in sustaining growth and reducing poverty."

Annan noted that China and Africa have always spoken with one voice for common aims of development and economic progress.

"This Summit is a historic opportunity for China and Africa to build on these shared ideals, and to advance South-South cooperation," he concluded.