In a significant move to bolster ties, China and the African Union (AU) have pledged to deepen their strategic cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The commitment was announced during a seminar held on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, where officials and experts from both sides convened to discuss the theme of “jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.”
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese mission to the AU, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to promote the well-being of both the Chinese and African peoples, as well as to maintain global peace and stability. “China and Africa should support each other and join hands to defend international fairness and justice,” Hu stated. “China will work together with Africa to uphold the principles of peaceful coexistence and safeguard their sovereignty and core interests.”
The seminar focused on promoting common development paths and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future, guided by the Beijing Declaration adopted in September this year. Discussions highlighted enhancing Africa’s representation in the United Nations and increasing its participation in global governance to create a fairer and more equitable international order.
Khalid Boudali, presiding officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the AU, underscored the opportunities presented by China’s partnership with Africa. “China’s partnership offers an opportunity to adopt governance practices that empower Africa’s people and institutions,” Boudali remarked. He expressed confidence in China as a steadfast ally in Africa’s pursuit of self-sustained growth, connectivity, and prosperity.
Recalling that the recent FOCAC summit outlined a roadmap toward a resilient and unified China-Africa community with a shared future—aiming at alleviating poverty, promoting cultural exchanges, and ensuring food security—Boudali affirmed that China-Africa cooperation is on the right track. He also noted the AU’s anticipation of China’s unreserved support in realizing the African Peace and Security Architecture and achieving the goal of “silencing the guns” in Africa in the coming years.
During the event, Chinese and African experts presented papers on enhancing China-Africa cooperation, with special emphasis on national governance, industrialization, peace and security, and agricultural modernization. The collaborative efforts reflect a shared commitment to fostering development and addressing common challenges in the new era.
Reference(s):
China, AU pledge to deepen strategic cooperation under FOCAC framework
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