Chinese and African Union (AU) officials celebrated the deepening diplomatic and economic relations between China and Africa during a gala event held on Monday at the new compound of the Mission of China to the AU.
The occasion marked the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on January 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, emphasized the elevated status of China-Africa relations, describing it as an “all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.”
He said, “No matter how international and regional circumstances change, China is always Africa’s most reliable friend and partner in the pursuit of development, as well as Africa’s strongest supporter on the international stage.”
The Chinese government is committed to collaborating with African nations to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and pursue the “10 partnership actions” that aim to promote modernization and development.
Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson for the African Union Commission, highlighted the fruitful results of AU-China cooperation over the years. She noted China’s longstanding tradition of sending its foreign minister to Africa for their first overseas trip each year, a gesture that symbolizes the importance of the relationship.
“In recent years, the political mutual trust between the African Union and China has continued to deepen,” Nsanzabaganwa said.
She acknowledged China’s unwavering support for Africa’s struggles against colonialism, power politics, and racial discrimination, expressing gratitude on behalf of the AU.
Looking ahead, Nsanzabaganwa stated that 2025 will mark the beginning of the implementation of the outcomes from the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit. The AU is dedicated to enhancing synergy in development strategies with China, aiming to establish a benchmark for international cooperation.
The event attracted representatives from the AU and the Chinese community in Addis Ababa, featuring a vibrant display of Chinese cuisine and traditional performances from both China and Africa.
