Chinese Vice Foreign Affairs Minister delivers message to 25th AU Summit

Johannesburg, South Africa - 15 June 2015: The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Zhang Ming delivered to the African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, a message of solidarity from his President Xi Jinping. The message was delivered when Vice Minister Zhang Ming met with the AU Commission Chairperson on the sidelines of the 25th African Union Summit, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the message, the Chinese President expressed his warm congratulations to African countries and their peoples, and wished the continent well in its stride to development. He said that, “Africa’s strength lies in its unity. Africa’s unity needs a strong AU.”

The AU Commission Chairperson expressed her appreciation for the message and took the opportunity to also briefly discuss other pertinent issues of interest between Africa and China.

During the brief audience between the AU Commission Chairperson and the Chinese Special Envoy, they also discussed the progress on the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2015. Regarding the high speed train project to connect Africa’s capital cities, an AUC delegation completed a visit to China during which, together with their Chinese counterparts, they agreed to set up a working group. The group will formulate and present an Action Plan for 2016-2020.

They also discussed other cooperation initiatives including in the field of electricity within the industrialization, public health, peace and security.

China reaffirmed its strong and historic friendship with Africa, and pledged its support for the reform of the United Nations, which will allow Africa to have a Permanent Member in the Security Council.

/JEE