China's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that the government has appointed Liu Xianfa as the special representative of the government on African affairs.

The ministry's spokesman, Guo Jiakun, said that Liu will represent the ministry in communication and coordination with African countries, the African Union and other parties, promote dialogue and cooperation, and make positive efforts to help build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Liu is a senior and experienced diplomat familiar with African affairs. He has previously served as Chinese ambassador to Kenya and as assistant foreign minister, among other posts.