China, Africa relations more important than ever in building a shared future
African envoys in China gathered in Beijing on May 25 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Union now African Union formed in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ambassador Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the permanent representative of the African Union to China, stated that many of the union member states are in crisis; some are prey to deadly internal conflicts with the corollary of significant loss of human life. He noted beyond their political and social fragmentation, the significant elements of their national heritage were being destroyed and drowned in bloody pain. The ambassador said in the face of a combination of circumstances and events that are asymmetrical to the proclaimed will of their leaders to build the Africa they wanted, there is need for reflection on the way to courageously identify and endeavor to translate into actions the pledge made by the fore leaders to see Africa united. While addressing the reception, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that the China-Africa relations have been accelerated with the two sides entering a new era building a closer community with a shared future. Qin noted that China-Africa friendly exchanges have become closer, as leaders from both sides had continued visiting each other more frequently in recent days and continued exchange programs tailored with different themes between China and African countries. He emphasized that mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa has deepened, bringing more benefits to the people on both sides. Qin stated that China and Africa should continue promoting the reform of the global governance system, safeguard the common interests of developing countries and continue to consolidate the strength of developing countries. Qin, who congratulated the AU on its 60th anniversary, reiterated on the need to enter a new era building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, through strengthening cooperation more than ever between China and Africa. Speaking earlier, Cameroonian Ambassador to China Martin Mpana said the Africa Day offered an opportunity to recall the importance of working together in order to respond positively and effectively to the growing and multifaceted challenges along the paths of development, peace and security. Mpana, who is also the Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors to China (GAAC), said the day also gave them the opportunity to promote the time-honored Africa-China partnership characterized by equality, reciprocity, mutual respect, and the common aspiration for peace and development. He appreciated the partnership developed between China and various African countries as well as regional bodies such as the African Union Commission working on issues of infrastructural development, public health, counter terrorism, climate change, peace and stability. "It is worthwhile to mention the mutual benefit for both China and the African nations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative as it enters its 10th anniversary, which is a significant reminder of the ancient maritime Silk Road travelled by the well-known Chinese navigator Zheng He in his famous voyages to Africa 600 years ago," said the ambassador.