BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from 50 African countries and the African Union discussed China-Africa defense and security cooperation at a forum which opened in Beijing Tuesday.

The China-Africa Defense and Security Forum, the first of its kind, was hosted by China's Ministry of National Defense.

Participants are scheduled to discuss topics including the security situation in Africa and Africa's independent capacity-building in security. They will also visit China's land, navy and air forces.

Hu Changming, head of the international military cooperation office of the Central Military Commission, said the forum will help deepen China-Africa defense and security cooperation and elevate China-Africa military ties.

Brima Sesay, chief of defense staff of Sierra Leone's armed forces, said that Africa attaches great importance to military ties with China, hoping the two sides will strengthen military exchanges and cooperation and inject impetus into the long-term development of Africa-China relations through the multilateral dialogue and cooperation platform.