The African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa buzzed with renewed energy on Thursday as delegates gathered for a dialogue on China's Global Development Initiative (GDI). This significant event highlighted the deepening partnership between Africa and China, focusing on collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, and Innovation, emphasized the longstanding and robust relationship between Africa and China. \"Our partnership is built on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,\" he stated. Belhocine underscored how the GDI aligns seamlessly with Africa's Agenda 2063, the continent's strategic framework for socio-economic transformation. \"This initiative will undoubtedly benefit future generations,\" he added.
Zhao Fengtao, deputy head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, highlighted the GDI's role as a catalyst for implementing the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. \"The GDI's eight key cooperation areas are fully aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,\" Zhao explained. He noted the initiative's wide international support, with over 100 countries and more than 20 international organizations participating, effectively building consensus on international development cooperation.
Since its proposal in 2021, the GDI has fostered fruitful China-Africa cooperation across various fields. \"Nearly 200 'small and beautiful' projects improving livelihoods have been launched in Africa,\" Zhao revealed. Additionally, more than 30 African countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, and 14 have signed bilateral documents with China to implement the initiative.
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, highlighted the impact 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,\" Hu remarked.
The dialogue at the AU headquarters drew about 200 representatives from notable organizations, including 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. Their collective presence underscored the global commitment to fostering sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
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Global Development Initiative dialogue held at AU headquarters
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