A significant dialogue on the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) was held on Thursday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, bolstering the longstanding partnership between Africa and China.
In his opening remarks, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, and Innovation, Mohammed Belhocine, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Africa and China. \"Our cooperation has developed into an outstanding partnership based on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,\" he stated. Belhocine emphasized that the GDI aligns seamlessly with Africa's Agenda 2063 development blueprint and will undoubtedly benefit future generations.
Zhao Fengtao, deputy head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, underscored the GDI's role as a catalyst and accelerator for the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted that the initiative's eight key cooperation areas are fully aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). \"The GDI has garnered active support and participation from more than 100 countries and over 20 international organizations, effectively building consensus on international development cooperation,\" Zhao said.
Since its proposal in 2021, the GDI has fostered fruitful results in China-Africa cooperation across various fields, according to Zhao. Nearly 200 \"small and beautiful\" livelihood-improving projects have been launched in Africa. Additionally, more than 30 African countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Development Promotion Center, and 14 African countries have signed bilateral documents with China to implement the initiative.
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, highlighted the positive outcomes of the recently concluded Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. \"The summit injected strong new momentum into deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa for the next three years,\" he said.
The event saw the attendance of approximately 200 representatives from various organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations Development Program, and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Global Development Initiative dialogue held at AU headquarters
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