Sino-Burkinabe Partnership Expands as Henan Province Seeks to Implement 9th FOCAC Conclusions.

Ouagadougou: Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla welcomed a delegation from China's Henan province on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, aiming to further the cooperation established during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Leading the delegation was Liu Nanchang, vice-president of the Standing Committee of the People's Assembly of Henan Province.According to Burkina Information Agency, the 9th FOCAC took place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, setting the stage for future collaborations. Following the forum, Dr. Kyélem de Tambèla visited Henan province, strengthening ties between Burkina Faso and China. The recent visit by Henan officials to Ouagadougou seeks to translate the forum's conclusions into actionable projects.Prime Minister Dr. Kyélem de Tambèla highlighted several ongoing projects as evidence of the positive trajectory in Sino-Burkinabe relations, including the establishment of a rail manufacturing company. He emphasized the need to expand cooperation i nto cultural domains, suggesting potential Chinese involvement in the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) and the National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso.The Prime Minister also invited China to engage in infrastructure development projects, particularly in constructing high-rise buildings for residential and administrative purposes. He stressed the significance of bolstering transport infrastructure to enhance economic and cultural exchanges, proposing an airline route between Ouagadougou and Beijing.Dr. Kyélem de Tambèla expressed optimism about the partnership between Henan province and Ouagadougou, especially given the twinning of Ouagadougou with Zhengzhou, Henan's capital. He underscored China's role as a strategic partner across various fields, including military and economic sectors, and emphasized the benefits of deepening these ties.Chinese Ambassador Lu Shan supported the Prime Minister's vision, noting that decentralized cooperation could invigorate bilateral re lations. He pointed out that Henan's economic strengths in industry, agriculture, and mining could provide opportunities for Burkina Faso's growth.