Beijing, 9 September 2022 (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and Senegalese President Macky Sall.

The day marks the 20th anniversary of AU’s founding and the establishment of China-AU diplomatic relations.

Remarks of Chinese President

Xi pointed out that in the past 20 years, the AU has led African countries in striding forward along a path of seeking strength through unity, development, revitalization, and integration.

Moreover, in demonstrating Africa’s strength in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, AU upheld multilateralism and safeguarded the common interests of developing countries.

China and Africa have always been good friends, good partners, and good brothers sharing weal and woe. Chinese President further said China-AU relations had stood the test of changing international circumstances.

Bilateral cooperation has expanded in depth and width, playing an essential leading role in carrying forward China-Africa traditional friendship and strengthening solidarity and cooperation in the new era.

Chinese President also said he attaches great importance to the development of China-AU relations. He stands ready to work with President Sall and other heads of state of the AU member countries. This will significantly embark from the new starting point of the 20th anniversary of the China-AU diplomatic ties.

China will fully implement the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

Both sides must continue to increase the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs. They must also make new contributions to the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Remarks of Senegalese President

For his part, the Senegalese President said President Xi has sent a warm congratulatory message on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the AU. It fully demonstrated the close friendship between African and Chinese people. Moreover, he expressed his sincere gratitude to Xi.

He highly appreciated the traditional friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Africa and China, as well as the dynamic partnership under the framework of the FOCAC.

Senegalese President reiterated that Africa firmly supports the one-China principle. He supports the African continent to work with friendly China to build the China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

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