Addis Ababa: China and the African Union (AU) have pledged to further deepen their strategic cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The commitment was announced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Chinese and AU officials and experts gathered to discuss the formation of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese mission to the AU, emphasized the necessity for China and Africa to strengthen cooperation to promote the well-being of their people and maintain global peace and stability. He highlighted the importance of mutual support in defending international fairness and justice and reiterated China’s commitment to working with Africa to uphold peaceful coexistence and safeguard sovereignty and core interests.
The discussions also focused on promoting common development paths and building a resilient China-Africa community with a shared future, guided by the Beijing Decla
ration adopted in September. Hu affirmed China’s intent to enhance Africa’s representation in the United Nations and participation in the global governance system to create a fairer global order.
Khalid Boudali, presiding officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the AU, stated that China’s partnership presents an opportunity to adopt governance practices that empower Africa’s people and institutions. Reflecting on the recent FOCAC summit, Boudali noted the roadmap set for a unified China-Africa community aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting cultural exchanges, and ensuring food security, signaling confidence in China as a steadfast ally in Africa’s pursuit of growth and prosperity.
Boudali further expressed the AU’s anticipation for China’s support in fully realizing the African Peace and Security Architecture and achieving the goal of “Silencing the guns” in Africa. During the seminar, experts from China and Africa presented papers focusing on enhancing cooperation in national governance,
industrialization, peace and security, and agricultural modernization.
