The exhibition links the cultures of China and Africa and helps promote understanding, Li said, adding that cultural exchanges are an important part of Sino-African cooperation.

The summit marks the second time in 12 years that China has hosted the forum, he added.

In another development, the seventh ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held on Sunday to make preparations for the summit, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Zhong Shan will co-chair the conference with their counterparts from South Africa, Hua said.

Ministers or representatives from 53 African countries responsible for diplomacy and economic cooperation will attend the conference, she added.