Respected State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan,

Your Excellency Ambassador Eleih Elle Etian, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China,

Your Excellency Ambassador Afare Apeadu Donkor of the Republic of Ghana, Rotating President of the African Union,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Today, we are meeting here to celebrate the "Africa Day" – an important festival of the African people. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to you, and, through you, to the governments and peoples of African countries!

Forty-four years ago today, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established, which was a historic step taken by African countries and peoples for liberation, solidarity and unity. The 25th of May thus became a special day in the annals of Africa. The African Union (AU) formally succeeded the OAU in 2002, shouldering the important responsibility of maintaining peace and stability and achieving development and renaissance in Africa. African countries entered a new stage in their efforts to develop themselves through unity. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the AU, thus giving this year's "Africa Day" special significance.

Thanks to the unremitting efforts made by the AU and African countries in the past five years, peace and stability in Africa have been strengthened, regional cooperation and integration promoted, economic growth maintained, and Africa's collective standing in the international arena has risen. Africa today is a continent full of hope; it is a continent brimming with vitality and a continent thirsty for development.

Africa still faces challenges in its cause of peace and development. But we are confident that with the concerted efforts of the governments and peoples of African countries and with the commitment and support of the international community, Africa can surely overcome the difficulties on the road of development and make steady progress!

Your Excellencies,

Dear Friends,

The year 2006 was a memorable year in the history of China-Africa relations. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was successfully held this year, establishing a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange. On behalf of the Chinese Government, President Hu Jintao announced eight policy measures aimed at strengthening China-Africa cooperation in practical terms and supporting the development of Africa. The Beijing Summit deepened China-Africa traditional friendship, elevated our relations to a higher level, and expanded the scope of their growth. The Beijing Summit has become a new milestone in the history of China-Africa relations.

Also in 2006, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao visited Africa, and presidents from nine African countries paid state visits to China. China-Africa economic cooperation and trade flourished. Bilateral cooperation in education, culture, public health and other areas was further enhanced. China and Africa continued to support and cooperate closely with each other in international affairs. China took an active part in the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. Over 1,300 Chinese military personnel participated in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa, contributing their share to promoting peace and stability in Africa.

Your Excellencies,

Dear Friends,

To build on the success of the Beijing Summit, and particularly to implement the eight policy measures of the Chinese Government, is high on China's Africa agenda. President Hu Jintao visited eight African countries late January through early February, delivering on the pledges made at the Summit to the African peoples. Mr. Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visited four African countries in April. The recent visit to Egypt by Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, further ensured the carrying out of follow-up activities of the Summit.

China has signed new aid agreements with 17 African countries and protocols on debt relief with 14 African countries, exchanged letters on tariff exemption with 23 African countries, and signed framework agreements on preferential loans with 5 African countries. I am confident that the full implementation of the decisions of the Summit will bring more benefits to the African countries and peoples.

May Africa enjoy prosperity!

May the African people enjoy happiness!

May China-Africa friendship be everlasting!

Thank you all!