AU's greater role in promoting friendship backed

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed on Tuesday China's support for the African Union to play a greater role in promoting China-Africa friendship, saying that the country is ready to take the 2024 FOCAC Summit as an opportunity to deliver more cooperation achievements.

He made the remark when meeting in Beijing with Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Xi highlighted the deepening of political mutual trust between China and the AU in recent years, as well as their close coordination in international and regional affairs. Africa, as a significant player on the global stage, remains a key priority in China's foreign policy, he said.

In the context of the rapidly evolving global landscape, the growing influence of the Global South, which includes China and Africa, has injected stability and positive energy into world peace and development, Xi said.

China is willing to enhance political exchanges with African countries, deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, share development experiences and foster mutual growth, Xi said. He also underlined the need for both sides to enhance unity and support, and jointly safeguard international fairness, justice and the common interests of developing countries.

Faki hailed the rapid development of relations between the AU and China, and lauded China's long-standing support for Africa in fields such as infrastructure, healthcare, energy, industry and security. He also praised China for supporting Africa's struggles against colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination.

The African side firmly adheres to the one-China policy and steadfastly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, Faki said.

He commended the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, all proposed by Xi, saying that these initiatives are committed to providing the people of all countries with peace and development opportunities.

Faki expressed the hope that China will continue to play a leading role in helping Africa achieve modernization and in promoting global peace and development.

Vice-President Han Zheng also met with Faki on Tuesday.