China has been dedicated to cultivating a strategic partnership with African countries during past decades, and its economic cooperation with Africa has been beneficial to both sides, Gabonese ambassador Emmanuel Mba Allo said Monday.

"China is a good friend and a sincere partner to African countries," he said in an interview with Xinhua.

He said China's development had provided Africa with more opportunities and space for its own growth.

"Take Gabon as an example. Chinese commodities are more competitive in Gabon because of their good quality and relatively cheap prices compared with those from Western countries. Chinese products have greatly helped Gabonese people improve their living standards," he said.

Much of the cooperation between the two countries had also created job opportunities in Gabon which boosted local economic development, he said.

"The trade volume between Gabon and China has increased by three times from 2005 to now. The trade volume between the two countries in 2008 alone reached 1.9 billion U.S. dollars," he said.

Noting this year marks the 35 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Gabon and China, Mba Allo said he believed the two countries would continue to maintain their friendly relations based on sincere mutual trust and respect.

The ambassador also said he had been paying close attention to China's preparations for the military parade and evening gala scheduled for the country's National Day celebration on Oct. 1.

"I personally appreciate the gala's director Zhang Yimou a lot. His work at the opening ceremony of last year's Beijing Olympic Games displayed great Chinese characteristics and was very impressive," he said.

"I believe he will turn in another masterpiece for this year's gala," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2009)