China attaches great importance to the cooperation in the field of agriculture with Africa, said a Chinese official Tuesday.

"As agriculture is an important component of Sino-African economic and technology cooperation, China attaches great importance to the agriculture cooperation between the two sides, vigorously promotes cooperation and exchange at all levels and has made positive progress," said Li Zhengdong, an official from the Agriculture Ministry of China.

In his speech at the agriculture experts' meeting of the African Union (AU), Li said Africa and China enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation, and China has worked unswervingly for the development of friendly cooperation with African countries.

The cooperation could date back to 1960s and 1970s, Li said, adding that besides providing technologies to African countries, China has also helped train agriculture technicians.

"In recent years, in response to the new Sino-Africa economic development, the Chinese government has strengthened agriculture cooperation with African countries," he stressed.

As for the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) South- South cooperation program, Li said "China has signed tripartite agreements with FAO and five African countries" since 1996.

Scores of agriculture experts gathered here to make preparation for the conference of the Ministers of Agriculture of the AU on Wednesday.

Heads of state and government and their representatives of the AU member countries are expected to hold a second summit here on July 10-12 on issues concerning the continent.

During the summit, the participants will discuss the issues, such as the election of a new leader of the AU Commission, the formation of the AU Peace and Security Council, the current situation in Liberia as well as the issues of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

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