Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that it is right on time for China and the African Union (AU) to bolster strategic mutual trust, align strategies and deepen strategic cooperation.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in an interview with Chinese media after he wrapped up visits to the AU, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho.
China and the AU should further strengthen solidarity, jointly address current challenges, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both China and Africa, and contribute their share to global peace and development, he said.
During the tour, China and the AU jointly held the ninth strategic dialogue and launched the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the headquarters of the AU.
His visit marked the 36th consecutive year for a Chinese foreign minister to make Africa the destination for the first overseas trip of the new year.
