Envoy headed to Africa

China has sent its special envoy on African affairs, Zhong Jianhua, to the Mali donor conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will provide aid to war-torn countries such as Mali to help counter the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

China called for speedy implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news conference. China is also considering provision of aid and support to the forces of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali.

African leaders and officials, as well as representatives of the UN, European Union, Japan and the United States, are also taking part in the conference.

African Union Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra said on Monday that the African-led force for Mali will cost $460 million, with the AU promising to contribute an "unprecedented" $50 million for the mission and Mali's army.

China Daily-AP-AFP