Li opens up new vistas in African ties

Premier Li Keqiang's just concluded four-nation visit to Africa was as profound as it was potentially game changing. From the look of things, Li's first visit to Africa since assuming office in 2013 heralds a completely new, re-invigorated and expanded horizon in Sino-African cooperation.

Never in the annals of diplomacy and development has there been such a swing through Africa as Li's development and cooperation safari. The scope of the tour, particularly in development partnerships and specific projects is a boost to the already burgeoning prospects of Sino-African relations. Li's visit to Africa buttresses the gains accruing from President Xi Jinping's visit to Tanzania, South Africa and Congo in 2013.

Compared with the visits of other countries' leaders, Chinese leaders' visits to Africa have been easily more substantive, mutually beneficial, dignified and fraternal. The biggest achievement of Li's visit is that it was all about development, about real nation building, including at regional neighbourhood levels. The deals struck during his visit will result in groundbreaking projects that will help Africa far into the rest of the 21st century.