China President Xi Jinping Congratulates African Union on 38th Summit
People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping has extended warm congratulations to African nations and their people as they convene for the 38th African Union (AU) Summit.
In a message delivered on Saturday, President Xi acknowledged Africa’s growing influence in global affairs and reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the continent.
Amid an increasingly complex and evolving international landscape, Xi emphasized the rising prominence of the Global South, represented by China and Africa.
He noted that Africa has made remarkable strides in recent years, strengthening its integration, responding to global and regional challenges, and amplifying its collective voice on the world stage.
“The AU has united and led African countries in vigorously advancing integration, actively responding to regional and global challenges, and speaking in unison as the ‘voice of Africa,'” Xi stated. He praised these efforts for enhancing Africa’s international status and influence, expressing his sincere wishes for the continent’s continued success in achieving independence, self-reliance, and sustainable development.
Strengthening China-Africa Relations
Reflecting on the past year, Xi highlighted 2024 as a milestone in China-Africa relations. He pointed to the success of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has set the stage for a new phase in bilateral engagement.
This evolving partnership, he said, is geared toward building an “all-weather community with a shared future” in the modern era.
The FOCAC summit underscored China’s commitment to working closely with Africa in various development sectors, including trade, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare. As both regions navigate global uncertainties, Xi reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with African leaders to advance modernization efforts.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Xi reiterated his commitment to implementing six proposals aimed at fostering modernization and ten key partnership actions that will drive practical cooperation between China and Africa. These initiatives are designed to yield tangible benefits for the combined population of over 2.8 billion people across both regions.
By enhancing economic ties, technological cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, China and Africa continue to position themselves as key partners in global development. The Chinese president emphasized that the strengthened relationship between the two regions is not only beneficial for their respective growth but also contributes to global peace and prosperity.
As the African Union Summit progresses, discussions are expected to focus on the continent’s ongoing efforts toward economic integration, peace and security, and sustainable development. With China reaffirming its role as a strategic partner, Africa hopefully, stands to benefit from continued collaboration in key sectors, reinforcing its position as a rising global player.
The growing synergy between China and Africa reflects a deep-rooted historical friendship and a shared vision for progress in the 21st century. As both regions work toward common goals, their strengthened partnership is set to bring about greater economic opportunities and lasting global impact.
