By Hassan Osman Kargbo
President Xi Jinping of China has sent a heartfelt congratulatory message to the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, celebrating the achievements of African countries and people in their pursuit of independence and development.
In his message, President Xi acknowledged the significant progress Africa has made in strengthening its unity and pursuing integration. Under the leadership of the African Union, African nations have shown resilience and determination in responding to both regional and global challenges.
The AU’s collective actions in amplifying Africa’s voice on the international stage have enhanced the continent’s global standing and influence, allowing it to become a stronger and more unified player in international diplomacy.
“Over the past year, the AU has united and led African countries, advancing the cause of integration, and responding actively to various challenges. This unity has allowed Africa to speak in unison, firmly establishing itself as the ‘voice of Africa’ and contributing to the continent’s rising international stature,” President Xi remarked. He expressed his warmest wishes for continued success to the African nations and their people on their ongoing journey toward greater prosperity and development.
One of the key points in President Xi’s message was his emphasis on the deepening China-Africa relationship. He noted that 2024 was a year of remarkable progress for China-Africa relations, particularly with the successful Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The summit marked a turning point in the bilateral relationship, launching a new phase of cooperation in which both nations seek to build an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.
China and Africa have long been close partners, with China playing an instrumental role in supporting Africa’s development goals, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and sustainable development. Through these efforts, both regions have fostered a mutually beneficial relationship, grounded in respect, equality, and a shared commitment to global progress. The Beijing Summit further strengthened this partnership, allowing China and Africa to outline a series of bold initiatives to advance mutual prosperity and tackle global challenges together.
President Xi underscored that the core of China’s cooperation with Africa lies in promoting modernization through a joint effort. He pointed to the six key propositions and ten partnership actions agreed upon by both sides, which serve as a roadmap for future collaboration. These initiatives aim to improve the economic, social, and technological landscapes of both regions, benefiting not only the more than 2.8 billion people across China and Africa but also contributing to the larger goal of global human progress.
At the heart of this shared future is the belief in fostering common development. The implementation of these proposals will directly impact the lives of millions, creating opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, and infrastructure, and fostering greater social stability. By prioritizing these objectives, China and Africa aim to create a future in which both regions rise together, working in tandem to overcome challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Africa in its development endeavours, stating his readiness to collaborate with African leaders to realize the promises made in the Beijing Summit. “Together, we will continue to strengthen our ties and implement these partnership actions, bringing more tangible benefits to our people,” he remarked, highlighting that this partnership is not only vital for both regions but also plays a crucial role in building a community with a shared future for all of humanity.
In conclusion, President Xi’s message to the 38th African Union Summit highlights the growing cooperation between China and Africa, with both sides committed to achieving shared success in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on mutual development, sustainable progress, and global solidarity, the China-Africa partnership continues to flourish, offering hope for a more prosperous future for the peoples of both regions.
