Xi Jinping Pledges Stronger China-Africa Cooperation in Talks with AU Chairperson
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening political engagement and practical cooperation with Africa during talks with African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, who is in China for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
During the discussions, President Xi emphasized the growing significance of the AU as a pivotal platform for Africa’s international cooperation, noting the strengthened political trust between China and the AU in recent years. He highlighted the successful completion and operation of the China-funded Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underscoring its vital contributions to Africa’s healthcare sector and the well-being of its people.
President Xi reiterated China’s unwavering support for the AU’s role in fostering China-Africa friendship and expressed China’s readiness to utilize the FOCAC summit to advance cooperation across various sectors. He stressed that the evolving global landscape, characterized by profound changes unseen in a century, presents an opportunity for the Global South, including China and Africa, to bring stability and positive energy to global peace and development.
“China views Africa as a major force in the world and a priority in its diplomacy,” President Xi stated, expressing China’s willingness to deepen political ties, enhance strategic trust, and foster practical cooperation with Africa. He also called for mutual support in advocating for a multipolar, equitable world and inclusive economic globalization, to safeguard international fairness, justice, and the common interests of developing countries.
Chairperson Faki, reflecting on his tenure leading the AU, praised the rapid development of AU-China relations and expressed deep gratitude for China’s contributions to advancing the Africa-China partnership and the FOCAC mechanism. He highlighted China’s assistance in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, energy, industry, and security.
Faki also commended China’s pioneering role in supporting the AU’s entry into the G20 and reaffirmed Africa’s strong commitment to the one-China policy, expressing robust support for China in defending its core interests.
The AU Commission Chairperson applauded President Xi’s major initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, describing them as crucial for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries. He noted that these initiatives play a vital role in promoting a fairer and more equitable global governance system.
Faki concluded by expressing Africa’s anticipation for China’s continued leadership in helping the continent achieve modernization and contribute to global peace and development.
