On March 18th, H.E. Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, sent a congratulatory message to the Inaugural Session of the Pan-African Parliament.

    In the message, Mr. Wu Bangguo said:" On the occasion of the Inaugural Session of the Pan-African Parliament of the African Union, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and in my own name, warm congratulations and good wishes to the Session and the participating parliamentarians from all countries.

    As a successful practice of the Pan-Africanist thoughts in the new situation, the inauguration of the Pan-African Parliament marks a further step towards self-reliance and common development in Africa and a higher level of African integration. I am sure that the Pan-African Parliament will play a significant role in the political, economic and social life of Africa as an important institution within the African Union.

   Over the years, China's NPC has maintained friendly relations with the parliaments of various African countries, giving a strong push to in-depth development of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. We firmly support the AU and the Pan-African Parliament in their efforts to strengthen solidarity and unity and promote peace and development in Africa. The NPC is ready to establish and develop fresh friendly relations with the Pan-African Parliament in a common endeavor towards continuous progress in China-Africa friendly relations and cooperation in the new century."

    On March 24th, Mr. Wu Bangguo also sent a message to Mrs. Getrude Mongela, who was from the United Republic of Tanzania, congratulating her for being elected as the President of the Pan-African Parliament.