Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message on Friday to
the upcoming summit of the African Union (AU) due to be held in
Gambia's capital Banjul over the weekend.
"In the past year, the African Union has worked to promote
Africa's development and revitalization through unity, safeguard
stability and enhance solidarity in Africa," Wen said in the
message.
"It has played an important role in handling African affairs and
coordinating Africa's position on international issues," the
Chinese premier lauded.
He added that the Chinese government highly appreciates the AU's
endeavors and "will continue to support the AU in its efforts to
promote peace and development in Africa."
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of
diplomatic ties between New China and African countries. In the new
era, China will carry forward and develop the traditional
friendship and strengthen and deepen its mutually beneficial
cooperation with Africa in all fields," Wen said.
"China is committed to forging a new type of strategic
partnership with Africa featuring political equality and mutual
trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange," he
promised.
Regarding the third ministerial conference of the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation due to be hosted by Beijing in November,
Wen said: "we look forward to the meeting between the Chinese and
African leaders to renew friendship, discuss ways of increasing
cooperation and jointly create a better future of common
development."
Wen ended his message by wishing the AU summit every
success.
The AU summit, slated for July 1-2, will focus on greater
regional integration. Other issues high on the agenda include
post-conflict construction in Darfur of Sudan, the unrest in
Somalia, the African charter on democracy, elections and
governance, malaria, HIV/AIDS and the chronic poverty which
continues to ravage the African continent.
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2006)
