Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13 January, 2014: “Today marks an historic point in the relationship between the African Union and the People’s Republic of China. Both the AU and China are looking forward to broadening and deepening our relations.” The African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said on Friday, 13 March, 2015 while receiving the Letter of Credence from Mr. Kuang Weilin, the newly appointed Ambassador to the African Union from the People’s Republic of China.

China established a dedicated mission and appointed an Ambassador to the African Union to facilitate the implementation of the MoU signed with the AU on 27 January 2015, on the margins of the 24th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government. The MoU will allow the construction of railways, airways, highways and industralisation to accelerate Africa’s integration within the framework of Agenda 2063.

“With the growing population and availability of resources, cooperation with the People’s Republic of China will serve as a driving force for many other development projects in the future,” said Dr. Dlamini Zuma, emphasizing the main objectives of the MoU.

On his part, the new Chinese Ambassador said the event was a milestone, given the historic opportunities available to both Africa and China. “While China is working very hard to upgrade its industries, China and Africa can work together to take advantage of these opportunities. We will work together to convert our friendship into benefits for the continent.” Mr. Kuang Weilin said.

Speaking during a media briefing, both the AU Commission Chairperson and the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador announced that a technical team from the AU will soon travel to China to get firsthand experiences of Chinese infrastructure and industries.