Chinese Sports Minister Gao Zhidan, right, has claimed a new MoU with ANOCA will be mutually beneficial ©OCA

The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) is attempting to deepen its ties into African sport after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf led a delegation here during the 19th Asian Games for the signing ceremony.

"This is a new era of cooperation and exchange between our two communities, opening wide the doors to new visions for a future of solidarity and mutual respect," Berraf said.

"This Memorandum of Understanding also charts the path for hope and socio-economic unity between our peoples, which will enable meaningful and genuine growth through Olympism and Sport towards modernity and development."

An ANOCA delegation travelled to this year's Asian Games host city Hangzhou for a signing ceremony with the Chinese Olympic Committee ©OCA
An ANOCA delegation travelled to this year's Asian Games host city Hangzhou for a signing ceremony with the Chinese Olympic Committee ©OCA

Berraf was accompanied by ANOCA's first vice-president João da Costa Alegre, second vice-president Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo and Athletes' Commission chair Gaby Ahrens. 

The Chinese Government poured billions into investment in Africa, mainly in the form of new infrastructure.

This led to peak spending of $28.5 billion (£23.4 billion/€27 billion) in 2016.

The details of the MoU are yet to be revealed, and whether economic investment will be involved, but COC President and Sport Minister Gao Zhidan claimed it will be a mutually beneficial cooperation.

Berraf urged Gao to relay to Chinese Presidency Xi Jinping, "the deep feelings of gratitude of the entire African Olympic and sports movement and the expression of our utmost request."

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, right, asked Gao Zhidan, centre, to relay
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, right, asked Gao Zhidan, centre, to relay "deep feelings" of gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping ©OCA

"Gao Zhidan paid a glowing tribute to Africa and its representatives, even as he undertook to make every effort to bring this strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation to fruition in the spirit of the Olympic values so cherished by our communities.

"He emphasised the importance of this historic agreement for China and the interest shown by the highest authorities in the African continent."

Berraf was present at the Hangzhou 2022 Opening Ceremony which took place last Saturday (September 23) following a postponement from last year's dates due to COVID-19. 

He was joined by several high-ranking foreign dignitaries, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, making his first visit to China since 2004.