The African Union stands as a banner for African pursuit of strength through unity and an important force in upholding peace, stability and development of Africa and the world. President Hu Jintao sent a congratulatory message to the 18th AU Summit and Chairman Jia Qinglin attended its opening ceremony. It was the first time for a Chinese leader to attend the AU Summit. Chairman Jia voiced firm support for the African Union during his speech. He said that the profound and complex changes taking place in Africa and the world have affected, in no small magnitude, the cause of peace, stability and development in Africa and posed growing challenges to Africa in its efforts to enhance strength through unity and solve its own issues independently. Meeting the Millennium Development Goals remains a daunting task for Africa. It is all the more important for African countries, at this crucial moment, to strengthen unity and stick to its own path. Africa and the African Union have a future.
非洲国家领导人一致盛赞非中传统友谊，指出非中友谊深深植根于相同的历史遭遇，中国尊重非洲，支持非洲，是这么说，也是这么做的。他们感谢中国长期以来对非洲的宝贵支持和帮助，特别感谢中方援建非盟会议中心，认为它是非洲复兴崛起的标志，更加点燃了非洲人民对未来发展的希望。埃塞俄比亚总理梅莱斯说，中国坚定履行对非合作承诺是非洲走向复兴的重要因素。崭新的非盟会议中心到处充满友好喜庆的气氛，大会议厅爆发出阵阵热烈掌声，传递着非洲国家共同的心声：在非洲发展的征程中，中国永远是非洲值得信赖的兄弟、朋友和伙伴。
Leaders of African countries applauded the traditional friendship between Africa and China. They said that such friendship is deeply rooted in the same historical experience. China respects and supports Africa. This is what China says and what China does. They appreciated China’s valuable support and assistance over the years and thanked China in particular for helping build the AU Conference Center and Office Complex, which they believe, serves as a symbol of African renaissance and renews the hope of the African people for a better future. Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said that China’s firm commitment to implementing cooperation projects with African countries is an important contributor to African renaissance. One could feel the warmth and vitality of the China-Africa friendship throughout the brand new AU Conference Center and Office Complex. Rounds of big applause resonating in the large conference hall spoke to the heart of the African countries: in the journey of African development, China is always Africa’s trust worthy brother, friend and partner.
