On December 12, Professor David Francis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, stated while attending the Fourth Zhejiang "BRI" Think Tanks Forum that the cooperation between China and African countries under the "BRI" has effectively promoted Africa's economic and social development and integration process.

David Francis noted that amid frequent geopolitical conflicts and multifaceted global challenges, the world urgently requires a more just, democratic and equitable multipolar order, where China plays a constructive role.

David Francis noted that in his personal diplomatic experience, many foreign ministers in developing countries have expressed that China is a highly respected and trustworthy partner, actively engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation in bilateral and multilateral diplomatic settings to help nations pursue their own interests. In addition, China remains committed to promoting peace talks, advocating peaceful resolutions to regional hotspot issues, and playing an active role in safeguarding world peace.

Speaking about the Belt and Road Initiative, David Francis emphasized its benefits tangible and highly-attractive to developing countries. 52 African countries and the AU Commission have signed the BRI cooperation documents with China. Collaboration under this framework enables rapid and efficient responses to Africa's development needs.

David Francis pointed out that China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative had significantly advanced Africa's much-needed infrastructure development and enhanced skills of local workers, not only creating jobs and boosting economic growth but also steadily advancing poverty reduction and accelerating regional economic integration in Africa.

David Francis stated that advocating for African countries to secure more affordable the BRI investments and build needed infrastructure to benefit African people is key to future China-Africa BRI collaboration.

David Francis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in international peace and security practices. Zhejiang's 4th BRI Think Tanks Forum was guided by the Zhejiang Federation of Humanities and Social Sciences, hosted by the Zhejiang Regional and International Communication Research Think Tank Alliance, and organized by Zhejiang Normal University’s Africa Research Institute.