South Sudan will be participating in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit scheduled to take place in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday.

The Summit will focus on advance peace and security, and to develop more politically capable states in Africa.

This is the first time it is being held on the continent.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mawien Makol says the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Barnaba has already left for South Africa.

“He will hold a meeting there with African ministers of foreign affairs and Chinese minster of foreign affairs,” Am Makol told Eye Radio.

He says President Salva Kiir is also expected to attend the summit.

36 heads of state and five prime ministers from Africa are expected to attend the summit.

China will discuss its economic relationship with Africa at the summit.

The FOCAC will promote Sino-African partnership, under the theme of “China-Africa Progressing Together: Win-Win Co-operation for Common Development.”

It is expected to announce a loan package at this meeting, as it has in previous years. This will assist Africa with ongoing construction of infrastructure.

President Xi Jinping will also support African integration, which promotes peace and security, and from a practical standpoint will improve China’s economic activity in the region.