On January 11, 2023 local time, Foreign Minister Qin Gang held the 8th China-AU Strategic Dialogue with Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat at the headquarters of the African Union (AU).

Qin Gang said, the AU is a pacesetter for strength through unity among African countries and for solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. In recent years, African integration has gained strong momentum and Africa's collective influence on international affairs has been growing. China extends congratulations on this. Qin Gang expressed his belief that the AU will surely lead African countries towards making greater achievements in their journey of development and revitalization.

Qin Gang said, China has always prioritized Africa in its diplomacy, and inheriting and carrying forward the China-Africa friendship has become a glorious tradition and defining feature of China's diplomacy. At present, China and the AU have maintained a sound momentum of cooperation, constantly enhanced political mutual trust and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. Qin Gang said, China will continue to be a development partner for common growth with Africa and work together to build a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. China has taken the lead in supporting the AU's admission to the G20, and supporting African countries' greater representation and voice at the UN Security Council and other international organizations to safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China will work with Africa to promote the common values of humanity and uphold true multilateralism.

Faki said, China has stood with Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation and its efforts to accelerate development and revitalization and participate more in international affairs. He said, Africa values China's strong support for African integration, connectivity and the development of free trade area, and looks forward to working with China to jointly advance the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Full of confidence in the prospects of China-Africa relations, the two sides stressed that they will step up high-level exchanges, align their development strategies more closely and focus on practical cooperation. Qin Gang said that China will continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and security in Africa.

Following the talks, the two sides signed cooperation documents, including the economic and technical agreement on the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and jointly attended the inauguration ceremony of the Africa CDC Headquarters.