China pledges to step up partnership with Africa

BEIJING - Top legislator Zhang Dejiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with African countries to advance the China-Africa new-type strategic partnership to a higher level.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a reception held by the African Diplomatic Corps in China to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), predecessor of the African Union (AU).

Zhang extended his congratulations to African countries and people and commended the achievements of independence and development of African countries under the leadership of OAU and AU.

He said China sincerely hopes African countries and people make joint efforts to achieve progress on their path towards development.

Zhang reviewed the history of China-Africa relations and hailed the vitality of their friendship over the past half century.

He emphasized that China-Africa relations have enjoyed rapid development with the help of China-African Cooperation Forum in the 21st century.

He said China is willing to work with African friends to implement the results achieved in President Xi Jinping's visit to Africa in March and advance the China-Africa new-type strategic partnership to a higher level, carrying on the fine tradition of sincere friendship, mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development.

Demeke Mekonnen, special envoy of rotating chairman of the AU and deputy prime minister of Ethiopia, said during his speech at the reception that the establishment of OAU is a milestone in the history of African unity and African people will make unremitting efforts for revival.

He thanked China for its sincere help and support for Africa and said the two sides' relationship is an example in international relations, which is important for Africa to maintain the current good momentum of development.

He said African countries expect to strengthen cooperation with China and bring more benefits to their people.

In a meeting before the reception, Zhang and Demeke expressed the willingness to work together for progress in cooperation between China and Africa, AU and Ethiopia.