On September 24, 2019 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Chairperson of African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.
Wang Yi expressed, under the leadership of the AU, the free trade zone on the African continent was formally established in July this year, becoming an important milestone of African integration. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China and Africa had fought side by side in history and are now entering the new era of common development. People in developing countries also have the right to live a happier life. In this process, China will firmly stand with African brothers. China's development means greater strength for peace and developing countries, which will enable China to have more resources and capabilities to help African countries accelerate their development process. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the African side, understand, trust and support each other and jointly build an even stronger community with a shared future between China and Africa. At present, China-AU relations are in the best period of history, with various cooperation outcomes being effectively implemented. The Chinese side is ready to work with the African side to strengthen cooperation in such areas as peace, security, public health, and planning and development. It is hoped that the AU will play a more important role in promoting the development of Africa-China relations.
Wang Yi said, factors of instability and uncertainty in the current international situation are obviously increasing. Unilateralism and protectionism are prominent. Both China and the AU are important forces for safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and supporting multilateralism. Under the current circumstances, the two sides should work closely to make a strong voice for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and defending international fairness and justice.
Moussa Faki Mahamat congratulated the People's Republic of China on its upcoming 70th anniversary. Moussa Faki Mahamat said, the past seven decades have witnessed China's development and progress. China's great achievements are unique in the world, which could be attributed to China's outstanding leadership and the hard work of the Chinese people. The world today faces various challenges. Only by adhering to multilateralism can we achieve fairness and justice and ensure that everyone in every country has something to take and give. Isolation cannot be successful, and an unjust world is unacceptable. The AU looks forward to intensifying communication and cooperation with the Chinese side, and jointly safeguarding multilateralism and the status and role of the UN. At present, the AU-China relations have reached a new level, and the free trade zone on the African continent has been formally established, which will help Africa to better cooperate with partners such as China. The African side appreciates the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China and will actively participate in the initiative. The African side thanks China for its strong support for Africa in responding to the Ebola outbreak and hopes to further deepen Africa-China relations for the benefit of both peoples.