Chinese FM holds talks with African Union Commission Chairperson

China is ready to work with the African Union (AU) and the African countries to develop the China-Africa new-type strategic partnership, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Monday in Beijing.

Li made the remarks during the talks with Chairperson of the Commission of the AU Alpha Oumar Konare, who arrived here on Sunday morning for a five-day official visit at the invitation of the Chinese government.

China and the AU, and the AU's predecessor the Organization of African Unity, enjoy sound relations, Li said, noting that the cooperation between the two sides symbolizes the China-Africa traditional friendship.

"China is concerned about and supports the construction of the AU, and attaches importance to increasing exchanges and cooperation with the AU," said Li, who also expressed his appreciation of the AU's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Li said strengthening unity and cooperation with African nations is an important component of China's foreign policy, and cementing traditional friendship and deepening cooperation accords with the common interests of both China and Africa.

"China is ready to join hands with the AU and the African countries to further develop the China-Africa new-type strategic partnership featuring equality, mutual trust, cooperation for win-win results and close exchanges," said the foreign minister.

Konare said Africa and China always support and help each other, and both sides are now faced with the common task to safeguard political independence and promote economic growth.

In the new international environment, Africa and China should work together to build a strategic partnership, said Konare, reiterating that the AU is willing to enhance the friendly cooperation with China to contribute to Africa-China traditional friendship.

Source: Xinhua