China and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. The pledge was announced on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a seminar focused on \"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 need for strengthened collaboration to enhance the well-being of both Chinese and African populations while maintaining global peace and stability. \"China and Africa should support each other and join hands to defend international fairness and justice,\" Hu stated. He further highlighted China's commitment to upholding peaceful coexistence and safeguarding sovereignty and core interests.
The discussions centered around promoting common development paths and building a resilient China-Africa community, guided by the Beijing Declaration adopted in September. Hu also mentioned China’s efforts to boost Africa's representation in the United Nations and its role in the global governance system, aiming to create a fairer and more equitable global order.
Khalid Boudali, presiding officer of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the AU, praised China's partnership, noting its potential to empower Africa's people and institutions through effective governance practices. Boudali expressed confidence in China's role as a steadfast ally in Africa's pursuit of self-sustained growth, connectivity, and prosperity.
The AU anticipates China's continued support in realizing the African Peace and Security Architecture and achieving the goal of \"silencing the guns\" across the continent in the coming years. During the seminar, Chinese and African experts presented various papers focused on enhancing cooperation in national governance, industrialization, peace and security, and agricultural modernization.
Reference(s):
China, AU pledge to deepen strategic cooperation under FOCAC framework
cgtn.com
