Chinese President Xi Jinping/HANDOUTChinese President Xi Jinping has lauded Africa for it's continued growth despite the turmoil being experienced in most world economies.
In a congratulatory letter to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Xi reassured that ties between China and Africa were at their best.
He lauded the African Union for rallying the continent to speak in one voice on its causes.
"I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, warm congratulations to countries and peoples in Africa," the letter reads in part.
Xi noted that "as the world is experiencing great changes and disorder, the Global South, represented by China and Africa, keeps growing in strength".
He said it was encouraging that over the past year, the AU has rallied African countries "to vigorously promote integration within the continent".
"I wish this session of the AU Assembly a full success. May China-Africa friendship last for forever."
Xi further lauded the joint cooperation among African states citing the AU campaign for African nations to "stand up to regional and global challenges, and making unified voice of Africa heard."
"This has ensured the continuous rise of Africa’s international standing and influence," Xi said.
China and Africa relations have nourished over time, with Beijing restating it's commitment to more strategic ties.
During last year's Focac meeting in Beijing, the relationship between China and Africa was elevated to higher levels.
It is understood that Beijing attaches great importance to Africa in efforts to achieve comprehensive, strategic, and cooperative partnership.
Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to work with Africa on the new pursuit and help Africa achieve modernisation to almost if not at par with China.
"The two sides have ushered in a new stage of jointly building on all-weather China-Africa Community with a shared future for mankind," Xi said.
"I'm ready to work with African leaders on the joint endeavour to implement the six propositions on modernisation and ten partnership actions, to deliver more tangible benefits to the over 2.8 billion people in China and Africa," the Chinese President said.
"I sincerely wish African countries and peoples new and even greater success in their independent pursuit of development and revitalisation," the President added.
Xi further noted that in 2024, China-Africa relations enjoyed robust growth, citing the Beijing Summit of Focac as one that was successfully held.
China has various flagship projects in Africa stretching from roads, railways, water ways, ICT infrastructure and people to people exchanges.
The ties of over six decades also intervene on matters health, education, security and social development.
African presidents and heads of government are meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 38th ordinary session of the AU.
During the summit, they elected Djibouti's Maumoud Youssef Ali the next African Union Commission chairperson.
Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was seeking the seat, alongside Djibouti and Madagascar candidate Richard Randriamandrato.
