United Nations - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the importance of China-Africa cooperation Monday at a forum on the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly.

The third round of China-Africa Ministerial Political Consultations at the UN's New York headquarters were co-chaired by Wang and his South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

The African Union and foreign ministers or representatives from more than 40 countries took part.

Wang said the overall strength of the vast number of developing countries have been constantly improving.

The 1.3 billion Chinese people are pressing ahead toward realization of the Chinese dream of the nation's great rejuvenation, while more than 1 billion African people are endeavoring to fulfill the African dream of alliance and self-renewal, he said.

"China and Africa have become an integral whole with a common destiny. China has always been Africa's reliable friend and sincere partner," Wang said. "China is ready to join our African friends to contribute a bigger share to the world dream of lasting peace and common prosperity."

Wang said China-Africa cooperation was characterized by mutual interests, efficient practices and a pragmatic approach.

He also highly appreciated the remarkable progress made in the following five areas: investment and financing, financial support, African integration, people-to-people exchanges and peace and stability in Africa.

He said the next step for China-Africa cooperation was to further build strategic mutual trust, pursue common development and strengthen multilateral cooperation.

In addition, more efforts should be made in the construction of the China-Africa Forum for the benefit of both Chinese and African people.

The foreign ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Africa cooperation and adopted by consensus the Joint Communique of the Third Ministerial Political Consultations Between China and Africa.

Wang also met separately with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) "Troika" foreign ministers, and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Namibia, South Sudan, Australia and Britain.