AU chairman, Chinese special envoy vow to deepen cooperation

ADDIS ABABA - African Union (AU) Chairman and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on Friday met with Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative and Vice Premier Wang Yang, both vowing to deepen cooperation.

The AU chairman warmly welcomed Wang as the Chinese special envoy on the occasion of the AU summit being held here to mark the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the AU.

Speaking highly of China's contributions to Africa and Ethiopia, he expressed hope for wider and closer cooperation in trade and economy.

On behalf of President Xi, the Chinese envoy extended warm congratulations on the OAU's jubilee celebration.

Wang said President Xi visited Africa during his first trip abroad in March, showing China's new leadership attaches great importance to the Sino-African relations.

The Chinese president described the Sino-Ethiopian relations as fraternal ties, Wang said, adding that his ongoing visit is to promote pragmatic cooperation with Africa and Ethiopia on the basis of the fruitful results achieved during the Chinese leader's African trip.

China is ready to boost its cooperation with Ethiopia in the development of agriculture, infrastructure, as well as mining, oil and gas industries, Wang said.

After the meeting, the Ethiopian prime minister and the Chinese vice premier attended the signing ceremony of several cooperative agreements.