AU commission chairperson: China's development, opportunity for Africa

China's development is a good opportunity for Africa, chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) Alpha Oumar Konare said in an interview in Beijing Tuesday.

Konare arrived here Sunday morning for a five-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. This is Konare's third visit to China in the past 13 years, with the previous two visits paid as Malian president.

"I witnessed with my own eyes China's great achievements made in economic growth, and feel that China is quite capable to adjust to the development of international situation," Konare told Xinhua.

China's economy has been growing at an annual rate of about 9.4 percent in the past 25 years from 1979 to 2004, and China's per capita gross domestic product exceeded 1,200 US dollars last year.

At the same time when China makes efforts to develop its economy, China is also concerned about Africa's development, Konare said, noting that China provides great support to African nations in their social and economic progress.

"In my eye, China is a nation that can always be a friend and partner of Africa," Konare noted.

China and Africa have enjoyed rapid growth in bilateral trade volume recent years, with the total China-Africa trade volume reaching about 30 billion US dollars last year, a drastic increase compared with 10.8 billion US dollars in 2000.

Chinese companies in Africa bring profits for the local economy, benefiting local people, Konare said, placing great hopes on further enhancing cooperation between Africa and China.

Africa possesses rich mineral resources and a large market, and the 53-nation AU is powerful in politics and foreign relations. Africa and China share potential prospects in their cooperation, he said.

"Both Africa and China are faced with the common task of safeguarding political independence and promoting economic growth, " he said, noting that Africa and China could regard each other as real partners.

The two sides should promote their partnership not only in the economic fields, but also in strengthening political dialogue, he said. He also expressed the hope that the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, initiated by China in 2000, can become a platform for both sides to increase economic and political links.

Konare left Beijing Tuesday for Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to continue his China visit. During his stay in Beijing, Konare met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Konare acknowledged that during this visit both sides expressed willingness to promote the Africa-China strategic partnership. "Since we share such a common desire, we would work hand in hand to create our future, and to push forward our cooperative relations," he said.

Source: Xinhua