China and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. The pledge came during a seminar in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday, where officials and experts from both sides discussed building a “China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.”
Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese mission to the AU, emphasized the importance of China-Africa collaboration in promoting mutual well-being and maintaining global stability. He called for enhanced cooperation to uphold sovereignty, fairness, and justice on the international stage, while reaffirming China’s support for Africa’s representation in the United Nations and global governance structures.
The seminar explored joint efforts to promote Africa’s development, guided by the Beijing Declaration adopted in September. Discussions focused on advancing shared priorities, including industrialization, agricultural modernization, and peace and security across Africa.
Khalid Boudali, a senior AU official, talked about China’s role as a partner in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable growth and connectivity. He highlighted the recent FOCAC roadmap, which aims to alleviate poverty, strengthen cultural exchanges, and ensure food security, as a cornerstone of this collaboration.
Boudali also underlined the AU’s expectation of China’s continued support for the African Peace and Security Architecture, particularly its goal of “silencing the guns” across the continent in the coming years.
The seminar showcased research from Chinese and African experts on enhancing cooperation, with a focus on governance, industrial growth, and fostering resilience in the face of global challenges. This deepening partnership signifies a shared commitment to a unified and prosperous future for both regions.
