Addis Ababa: African Union Commission (AUC) delegates have visited the ongoing third phase expansion of Bole International Airport, a project central to enhancing continental connectivity, today. The visit, part of the “Meet China in Africa” event, served as a platform to underscore the profound and evolving strategic partnership between China and Africa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Zhang Wei, Deputy Head of Mission of China to the African Union, emphasized the robust and historical nature of China-Africa relations, which he described as being at their “best in history.” The Deputy Head of Mission stated that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of FOCAC. “Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, the overall China-Africa relations have been upgraded to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.”
Zhang highlighted China’s steadfast support for Africa in pursuing a just world, offering unwavering backing to African countries in international and regional affairs. He noted the significance of the Bole Airport project in enhancing flight efficiency and connectivity across the continent, emphasizing the human-centric approach of these initiatives.
He further underscored China’s commitment to advancing modernization through practical cooperation, citing significant growth in China-Africa bilateral trade and investment over the past 25 years. Chinese enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa in the past three years, showcasing the tangible benefits of this partnership.
The Deputy Head of Mission expressed optimism about the upcoming Ministerial Coordinators’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC in China, which is expected to further bolster the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the African people and accelerate modernization.
On his part, AUC Operation and Support Services Directorate (OSSD) Director, J. Rico J. Bien-Aime, expressed his satisfaction with the event and the Bole Airport expansion. He described the airport as both a gateway for travelers and a symbol of modern infrastructure and growing connectivity across Africa.
The director highlighted the depth of the partnership, pointing to the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa as a testament to this collaboration. He acknowledged China’s sustained technical cooperation since the headquarters’ completion in 2012, which includes assistance in technical areas, maintenance, technology services, equipment upgrading, and capacity building for AU staff.
He commended China’s role in constructing the new Africa CDC headquarters, describing it as timely and visionary. Bien-Aime also praised China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including medical supplies, vaccine support, and expert teams, which are helping build resilient, sustainable health systems in Africa.
The director affirmed China’s pivotal role in realizing the continent’s Agenda 2063 vision for a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Africa.