Israel ? China and Africa showed the potential of their burgeoning partnership Sunday, closing out a landmark summit by announcing hefty business deals while shirking criticism that their relationship soft-pedals human rights concerns.

Chinese President Hu Jintao already had pledged billions of dollars in aid and loan packages to Africa during the two-day meeting, part of Beijing’s efforts to strengthen ties to Africa amid China’s search for new oil sources and export markets.

In a declaration read at the end of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China and 48 African nations pledged a partnership based on “political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges.”

The event included heads of state from 35 of the 53 African nations, and top officials from 13 others.