CHINESE Foreign Minister Qian Qichen is to start a six-nation visit to Africa today, marking the beginning of a flurry of diplomatic activity for the senior leader this year, the China News Service reported yesterday.
The report said Mr Qian, also a Vice-Premier, would meet the leaders of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius on international and African issues, as well as bilateral concerns.
Mr Qian's African trip would help boost China's ties with the Third World, it said.
The development and strengthening of solidarity and co-operation with the Third World was one of the basic policies of China's independent and peaceful foreign policy, the news agency said.
''The fact that Mr Qian has paid a visit at the beginning of the New Year to the six African countries has demonstrated the significance China attaches to its links with the Third World,'' it said.
The news agency also commended the Vice-Premier, who is said to have been singled out for praise by patriarch Deng Xiaoping for his efforts and skill in breaking the diplomatic isolation faced by China after the June 4 bloodbath.
''This Foreign Minister has faithfully and creatively fulfilled his duties to embark on a series of diplomatic activities,'' it said.
