On February 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 38th African Union Summit, extending warm congratulations to African countries and their people. The message highlighted China’s strong commitment to its relations with Africa and its steadfast support for Africa’s independence, development, and revitalization efforts. Many African leaders expressed their appreciation for China’s emphasis on deepening cooperation and solidarity within the global south.
Lerato Mataboge, the newly appointed African Union Commission’s Infrastructure and Energy Affairs Commissioner from South Africa, praised China’s significant contribution to Africa’s infrastructure development and expressed anticipation for further collaboration with China. Xi Jinping’s message emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and advancing shared modernization efforts, aiming to achieve concrete outcomes for both Africa and China. Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the Namibian National Assembly, agreed with Xi’s vision, acknowledging China’s approach of fostering relationships based on equality and mutual respect while aligning with Africa’s development strategies.
Xi Jinping’s message has provided significant encouragement for African nations in their ongoing pursuit of independence and development. Former Nigerian Foreign Minister Ibrahim Gambari emphasized that African countries and the global south need stronger cooperation and solidarity, pointing out that China’s support for the African Union’s membership in the G20 has been a critical gesture of support for Africa’s voice on the world stage.
The congratulatory message from Xi Jinping has sent a strong signal of deepening China-Africa relations and promises to bring tangible and lasting benefits to both regions. China’s partnership with Africa is expected to continue advancing mutual benefits and fostering sustainable development, setting the stage for further successes in their joint efforts.
https://politics.gmw.cn/2025-02/17/content_37853760.htm