The Chinese government says it is ready to support a plan by the African Union (AU) to establish a representational office in its capital, Beijing.
This is according to a communique issued by the A.U. following a two-day official visit (January 8 – 9, 2018) to the country by chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
“China welcomed the planned establishment of an African Union Office in Beijing to ensure effective and timely follow-up of the China-Africa partnership and committed to support the setting up of this Office. “This representation will also support the work of the African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing, to ensure alignment with African Union positions. It should be noted that China had established a Permanent Mission to the African Union, since 2015,” the communique read in part.
The A.U. chief was accompanied by high-level commissioners on the Beijing trip which afforded the continent’s top diplomat the opportunity to interact with China who have been described as a long partner and friend of the continent. Aside meetings with his hosts, Faki Mahamat held meetings with African ambassadors based in China.