A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday the government will strive to minimize traffic inconvenience in Beijing during the upcoming summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao said traffic restrictions were necessary to ensure the security and organization of the summit, the largest international conference to be held in China since 1949.

Liu also said feedback from Beijing citizens demonstrated their understanding and support for the restrictions.

The Chinese people welcomed "African friends" to the summit, Liu said.

The event on Nov. 4 and 5 will see the arrival of delegations from 48 African countries and more than 20 international organizations.