BEIJING - Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, on Sunday and pledged continued support for Africa's development.

"Africa is a continent of hope," said Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee as he met with Dlamini-Zuma at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, in Beijing, Feb 17, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese leader said Africa's development conforms to the historical trend of the times and helps to safeguard world peace and stability.

"We are always confident of Africa's prospects for development, " he said, adding that China supports the self-determined development of and the solidarity among African countries as well as their pursuit of progressive paths suitable for their own national conditions.

"Africa's development creates opportunities for China as China's development creates opportunities for Africa," Xi said. He added that the common development of China and Africa is of significance for the growth of developing countries as a whole and helps to make international relations more democratic.

"No matter how situations change, China will attach importance to ties with Africa, remain a reliable friend and faithful partner of African nations and always regard the AU as a reliable strategic partner," said the Chinese leader.

China is ready to make joint efforts with African countries to implement the outcomes of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and boost political, economic and cultural cooperation as well as coordination on regional security and major global issues to lead the relationship to a higher phase.

Dlamini-Zuma thanked the Chinese side for supporting Africa's drive for peace and development.

China is an important strategic partner in Africa's push for modernization and sustainable development, she said.

Dlamini-Zuma said that African countries hope to learn from China and expand cooperation with the country in development planning, agriculture, manufacturing, science and technology, infrastructure and human resources as well as major regional and international issues.

The AU is ready to boost cooperation with China to further advance the Africa-China relations, she added.

Dlamini-Zuma arrived in Beijing on Thursday for the fifth China-AU strategic dialogue.