Addis Ababa, 14 December 2021 (TDI): Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, He Lifeng.

The MoU was signed within the framework of the AU-China Cooperation Plan pertaining to the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). It will target the areas related to food security, health, as well as infrastructure & energy. The MoU signing ceremony was held virtually.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing chaos, China has been diligently helping its African partners. Whether it is in the form of economic aid, infrastructure development, or the donation of medical supplies and vaccines, crucial to fighting the pandemic.

China-Africa Partnership

China and Africa have been increasingly collaborating for mutual benefit. Both sides have been helping each other in pursuit of national rejuvenation and economic development. The scope of cooperation between the two has increased, so much so that the two regularly coordinated on major regional as well as international issues.

As per the dictates of China’s Africa policy improved teamwork has propelled China-Africa cooperation to new and unparalleled heights. The Johannesburg Summit in 2015 and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2018 epitomize the closeness of China-Africa ties.

Under the framework of the AU-China Cooperation Plan, both partners are working to create a stronger China-Africa community for a shared future with advanced collaboration under the BRI.

The African Union Commission (AUC) is the secretariat of the African Union that undertakes the day-to-day happenings of the Union. It is based in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Its functions include representing the AU and defending its interests under the direction of and as instructed by the Assembly and the Executive Council.