H.E. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
H.E. Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroun and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps
H.E. Mamina Cyprien Sylvestre, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to China and Co-Chair of FOCAC
H.E. Khaled Nazmy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to China
H.E. Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy, Representative of the League of Arab States to China
Excellencies Distinguished African and Arab Ambassadors here present
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is a great honour to join you in commemorating seventy years of diplomatic relations between China and African and Arab States. As we mark this historic milestone, let me from the outset on behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission commend H.E. President Xi Jinping for providing strong and clear leadership that continues to deepen China-Africa relations. As we meet here this afternoon, China under the able leadership of President Xi is not only accelerating its development trajectory, it is providing pivotal leadership that would shape the future of the new global order. We commend President Xi for advancing the Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization in Africa under FOCAC and the zero-tariff policy which came into force on 1 May this year.
We also commend for advancing multilateralism and cooperation through his Four Global Initiatives on Development, Security, Civilization and Governance. The African Union welcomes these four Initiatives as they align with Africa’s transformative agenda, and reinforce multilateralism by expanding the voice of the Global South in international decision-making.
Excellencies,
This 70th anniversary of Sino-African ties is more than a commemoration of diplomatic milestones. It is a celebration of a relationship forged through history, tested through adversity and continuously renewed through solidarity, mutual respect and the pursuit of shared progress.
The evolution of China-Africa relations demonstrates what is possible when partnerships are built on sovereign equality, non-interference, mutual benefit and respect for the development choices of nations. At decisive moments in history, China stood with Africa and its peoples in their struggle for political independence and national liberation. Africa, in turn, helped restore the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations in 1971, including its permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Our partnership has since evolved from solidarity in liberation to cooperation in development, and today to strategic coordination in shaping the future of global governance. I am pleased to note that Sino-Africa ties have been elevated to a win-win, strategic, all-weather partnership. This must be acknowledged and celebrated.
