Zhang Qingli, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, has called for carrying forward the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation and promoting high-standard and sustainable cooperation between the two sides that benefits  livelihoods.

Zhang, also president of the China Economic and Social Council, made the remarks at the China-Africa Round Table that was held on May 6 virtually, focusing on strengthening China-Africa cooperation on addressing challenges brought by climate change and improving capacity for sustainable development.

Zhang said developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries has been China's long-term strategic choice.

He called for efforts to strengthen exchanges on poverty reduction and elimination and advance the high-quality development of Belt and Road co-construction.

It's necessary to implement the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Climate Change, jointly released by the two sides last year, Zhang said.

In his keynote speech at the videoconference, Ahmed Reda Chami, president of the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa, said Africa attaches great importance to cooperating with China and is willing to work with China to tackle the challenges brought by climate change.

Meeting participants from China and Africa all agreed to strengthen cooperation on addressing challenges brought by climate change and contribute to global ecological civilization.