China will step up cooperation with Africa in areas of security to combat terrorism and piracy, foreign affairs minister Wang Yi has said.

Wang was speaking at a press conference Thursday at the first session of China’s national people’s congress this year.

Answering a question posed by an African journalist about China-Africa relations, Wang said China was ready to partner with Africa in addressing peace and security challenges.

"Africa faces main challenges in maintaining peace and security, and development and revitalisation. In response to its needs, China will step up mediation in regional flashpoints as well as cooperation with African countries on unconventional security threats such as terrorism, piracy and natural disasters and help them (African countries) build capacity for ensuring their own peace and security,” he said.

Referring to China as "Africa’s brother and partner,” Wang added that China will always attach particular importance to the needs and interests of African countries.

"Africa’s concerns are China’s concerns, Africa’s priorities are China’s priorities,” he said.

Wang also shed light on the upcoming Forum on China African Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) which will be held in Beijing in September this year between African Heads of State with Chinese leaders.

According to Wang, the event will provide a platform for the leaders to discuss China- Africa cooperation in the new era, as well as look at advancing the belt and road initiative while aligning it with the United States’ agenda 2030, the UN agenda 2063, and the individual development strategies of the African countries.

"China and Africa are friends tested by adversity. Such friends must never be forgotten. So be assured no matter how much the world may change, or what others might say; the profound friendship between China and Africa will remain unbreakable; and China’s promise of sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith will remain true,” he said.