In this file photo taken on July 15, 2019, an attendee gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the first China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing, China. (PHOTO / MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, CHINA)

China will host the third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum from Monday to Saturday, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday.

Li Shangfu, state councilor and minister of defense, will attend the forum and give a keynote speech, the ministry said in a statement on its website. Defense departments and military leaders from nearly 50 African countries, as well as representatives from the African Union and military attaches from embassies of African countries in China, will also attend.

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The forum, which will be held under the theme of "Implementing the Global Security Initiative, Strengthening China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation", aims to consolidate communications among defense departments between China and African nations and play a positive role in building the China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

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The first edition of the forum was held in June and July 2018 in China, while the second edition was held online last year.