Beijing, 30 June 2006

Banjul

The 7th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union

    On the occasion of the 7th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and in my own name, warm congratulations to the Session.

    In the past year, the African Union has worked to promote Africa's development and revitalization through unity and safeguard stability and enhance solidarity in Africa. It has played an important role in handling African affairs and coordinating Africa's position on international issues. The Chinese Government highly appreciates its endeavours and will continue to support the African Union in its efforts to promote peace and development in Africa.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of diplomatic ties between New China and African countries. In the new era, China will carry forward and develop the traditional friendship and strengthen and deepen its mutually beneficial cooperation with Africa in all fields. China is committed to forging a new type of strategic partnership with Africa featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange.

    China will host the Beijing Summit and the 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November. We look forward to the meeting between the Chinese and African leaders to renew friendship, discuss ways of increasing cooperation and jointly create a better future of common development.

    I wish the Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union every success!

                                                                              (Signed) Wen Jiabao

                                                                          Premier of the State Council

                                                                        The People's Republic of China