AU Commission chair meets with Chinese vice premier

ADDIS ABABA - The African Union (AU) Commission chair, Nkosazana Dlamimi-Zuma, on Friday met with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, as the AU holds a special summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the AU.

Zuma spoke highly of China-Africa relationship and the active role China has played in promoting African development.

She said Africa is working hard to transform the mode of economic growth and achieve integration and therefore is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with China in multiple areas in which the AU can play an important role.

Wang, as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative, said the founding of the OAU 50 years ago marked an important event in African and world history.

He pointed out that the past 50 years witnessed a more independent, united, stable and prosperous African continent and that Africa has an increased influence over international arena.

China hopes that African countries and African people will promote the spirit of Pan-Africanism and highlight the consensus of African Renaissance so that they can reach great achievement on the road to peace and development, Wang said.

Wang said China-AU friendship and cooperation are facing new opportunities and that China is willing to work together with the AU to further promote China-Africa cooperative mechanism and strengthen pragmatic cooperation, as well as consultation and discussion on international affairs.

Wang reiterated that a prosperous and strong AU ensures a prosperous and strong Africa. China will never change its policy on China-Africa cooperation, and will vigorously push forward African's peace and development, and stand firmly for a united and strong Africa.