China's development benefits Africa: AU commission chairman

Chairman of the African Union Commission Alpha Oumar Konare told Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju in Tunis Wednesday that Africa is proud of the rapid progress China has made in the past decades and maintains the belief that China's development is beneficial to Africa's well-being.

The leaders are here to attend the World Summit on the Information Society, which focuses on promoting world development through universalizing public access to computers, internet and other products of the information industry.

China has been a trustworthy, reliable friend of Africa since the continent's independence wars, when it offered selfless help to the African people, Konare said.

Africa still needs China's support in today's development, he said, adding that the African Union (AU) and its member countries are willing to expand cooperation with China for the promotion of the strategic partnership.

Huang spoke highly of the AU's role in consolidating African countries through coordinating their stances, spurring economic growth and maintaining regional peace and stability.

"The Union has become an important force of peace in the international arena," Huang said, adding that China also holds the desire to establish a new partnership with the Union, which features equality, mutual interests and stable, long-term comprehensive cooperation.

Over 10,000 participants from 173 countries, including about 50 heads of state and government leaders, business leaders, technology experts and civil society representatives, gathered in the Tunisian capital Tunis for the summit slated for Nov. 16-18.

Source: Xinhua