14-03-2024
On June 20, the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO received a 20-person diplomat training workshop from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the eighth diplomacy and protocol class for developing countries received by the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO. Burkina in the local Mossi language means “men of integrity,” while Faso in Diouala means “fatherland.” Thus, Burkina Faso means the “Land of Honest People.”
Executive Vice President Zhang Qian gave a warm welcome to the guests. She introduced the basic situation of the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO, answered their questions about Beijing’s socioeconomic development, the activities of the BPAFFC and Beijing NGO, etc., and had lively exchanges with the guests. She noted that organizations in Beijing and Burkina Faso didn’t interact much due to geographical distance and the COVID-19 pandemic, and hoped that the two sides could take the opportunity to strengthen cooperation in culture, sports, education, economy and trade, and other areas.
The delegation of Burkina Faso was led by Stephane Rouamba, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad. He introduced Burkina Faso’s export basket, the situation of domestic investment, business environment, etc., and said that Burkina Faso has a sustainable macroeconomic framework and its people are hard-working, energetic, and enterprising, so the country has great resilience and potential for development. He looked forward to strengthening cooperation with China and Beijing.
“Burkina Faso is a long-lasting civilization in West Africa and has a rich history and culture like China,” introduced Balguissa, who works at the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso. “I hope that more Chinese people could have a better understanding of our country. ”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Mohamadi said, “We hope to learn about Chinese stories and Beijing’s experience in carrying out cultural exchanges and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. We sincerely invite Chinese organizations and businesses to Burkina Faso and look to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with you. ”
Foreign Affairs Consultant Aristide talked about the film festival held in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso and the undisputed “film capital of Africa,” as well as cultural and trade salons and other activities, hoping to make the African film industry better known to more people and to strengthen cooperation in related fields.
“Young diplomats are hope and backbone of Burkina Faso and Africa. I see in you the motivation and enthusiasm for prospering the country,” said Executive Vice President Zhang Qian earnestly. “China has achieved leapfrog development by taking the Chinese path to modernization. I believe that through concerted effort of your people, you will also find a development path suited to your own national conditions to fully unleash your potential and make significant achievements. I also hope you could take this opportunity to learn more about China’s history, culture, and customs to pave the way for future cooperation.”
Jiao Yutong, Vice President of the BPAFFC and leading official of Beijing NGO, also attended the meeting.
Burkina Faso at a Glance
Burkina Faso had a population of about 22.1 million in 2022. Over 60 different ethnic groups live in the country, who belong to two major cultural groups – the Voltaic and the Mande. The official language is French. The country has 13 regions, 45 provinces, and 301 departments. The capital is Ouagadougou, which has roughly 2.68 million inhabitants.
The current head of state is Ibrahim Traore, who was sworn in as transitional president in October 2022.
There are over 40 legally constituted political parties in Burkina Faso, including the People’s Movement for Progress, the Party for Development and Change, the Congress for Democracy and Progress, and the African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation.
Burkina Faso is one of the least developed countries designated by the United Nations, and its economy is based on farming and animal husbandry. Cotton is the leading cash crop and export earner. The country has a weak industrial base and are lacking in resources. Foreign aid is the main source of construction funds to finance budget deficit.
China and Burkina Faso established diplomatic relations in September 1973. After the government of Burkina Faso and the Taiwan authorities signed a communique on “resumption of diplomatic relations” on February 2, 1994, the Chinese government announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso on February 4. On May 24, 2018, Burkina Faso announced a decision to sever its “diplomatic” relationship with Taiwan (China). On May 26, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Alpha Barry signed a joint communique to resume diplomatic relations between China and Burkina Faso in Beijing, agreeing to restore diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.
Since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2018, China has sent five batches of medical aid teams to Burkina Faso, who have received more than 14,000 outpatient visits, performed over 1,000 operations, and provided traditional Chinese medicine therapies for more than 13,000 patients. Some 480 students from Burkina Faso study in China, including 80 entitled to government scholarships. The two countries established the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in May 2018. Trade between the two sides amounted to some USD600 million in 2022.
The Cultural Cooperation Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Burkina Faso was signed on October 26, 2019. The two countries inked the Memorandum of Understanding on Burkina Faso Joining the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative on November 17, 2021.
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