Addis Ababa, 6 May 2022 (TDI): Charge d’ Affaires of the Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU), Chen Xufeng, met with Parfait Onanga, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the AU and Head of UN Office to the AU (UNOAU).
The meeting took place yesterday, May 5. Chen and Onanga exchanged views on China-Africa as well as China-UN cooperation.
COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA, AU, AND THE UN EMPHASIZED DURING THE MEETING
During the meeting, Chen and Onanga agreed to promote multilateralism and continue the existing strong cooperation among China, African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).
Both sides emphasized the significance of cooperation and how can it contribute to the peace and prosperity of Africa.
Chen briefed on the measures China has taken and is going to take to support African countries under the context of the COVID-19.
Moreover, Chen introduced Sino-African practical cooperation after the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Also, Chen emphasized the development of the “Vision for Peaceful Development of the Horn of Africa”.
Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised a term named Global Security Initiative. Thus, Chen explained the connection between Africa and the Initiative.
China would like to work with international and African partners to contribute to the security of the African continent.
As a response, Onanga spoke highly of two Chinese terms. They are the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. Onanga said that these two initiatives are highly coordinated with the UN’s value of multilateralism.
Furthermore, Onanga especially pointed out the great achievement that Sino-African medical cooperation has made. Specifically, China’s vaccine assistance to Africa has greatly improved access to vaccines in Africa.
Last but not least, Onanga expressed that UNOAU would like to continue the good relationship and cooperation with the Chinese Mission to AU. There is no doubt that the cooperation between China, AU, and the UN has great significance.
Such a positive relationship has a unique potential to contribute to the development of Africa and the UN 2030 Agenda. Great achievements have already been made, and more can be looked forward to soon.
CHINA CLOSELY WORKS WITH GLOBAL AND AFRICAN STAKEHOLDERS ON DEVELOPMENT
China has been working closely with global and African stakeholders to contribute to the African continent. Take infrastructure construction as an example.
There is a trend showing that both African and Chinese stakeholders are fully aware of the importance of dialogue and all-around cooperation.
For instance, earlier this year, from April 13 to 14, a special dialogue was held by African Union Permanent Mission in China and Development Reimagined, the first-ever Kenyan Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise in China.
The title of the dialogue is Coordinating on Regional Infrastructure Projects under the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA).
Senior officers from various African and China entities, Ambassadors, or senior diplomats from over 20 African countries in China joined the meeting.
Wu Peng, the Director-General of Department of African Affairs of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, African Union Ambassador to China, and UN Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee also joined the meeting and delivered speeches.
During the meeting, representatives from AU and African regional banks introduced the PIDA project to Chinese stakeholders. Additionally, African ambassadors also discussed the coordination between China and the implementation of PIDA with Chinese attendances.
Both sides expressed their concerns about investment in regional infrastructure projects with insights. The meeting offered African and Chinese stakeholders a platform to exchange timely information and opinions.
Also, such dialogue provides a chance for both sides to deepen mutual trust and understanding. Thus, outstanding companies in China and Africa, such as Development Reimagined, are exploring ways to enhance international dialogues.
With this trend, we can highly expect further cooperation and communication between China, Africa, and the UN.
