China gives African Union free RMB 600 million assistance
China at the week-end said it would provide a total of RMB 600 million free assistance to the African Union (AU) in the next three years.
The Asian nation said it was ready to add new dimension to the development of China–Africa relations, and would work with the AU to improve on the mechanism of the China-AU Strategic Dialogue.
Furthermore, China would enhance co-operation in cross border and cross region infrastructure development in Africa, Mr Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the People’s Political Consultative Conference, announced at the week-end.
Addressing the opening of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, as Guest of Honor, Mr Qinglin, who had inaugurated the new AU building, which China gifted to the Union, said China was firmly committed to the path of peaceful development.
“We will develop China by maintaining world peace and contribute to world peace by developing China,” Mr Qinglin said.
In a message from the Chinese President Hu Jintao, Mr Qinglin called on the international community to view the development of Africa from the perspective of a community of common destinies.
He proposed four measures by which the international community should make active efforts to promote peace, stability and development in Africa.
First, the international community must firmly uphold peace, stability and development of Africa; secondly, it must fully respect the efforts of African countries in solving African issues independently, saying “facts have proved that African countries are wise enough to do so.”
Thirdly, the international community must vigorously support African countries in seeking strength through unity and the integration process; and finally it must pay attention to the issue of African development and make bigger input.
Mr Qinglin pledged China’s continued assistance to Africa without attached political strings, assuring the Union that China would always endeavour to seek common development with Africa and promote African development through China’s development.
Source: GNA