Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa of Ethiopia May 5, 2014. [Photo by Li Xueren/Xinhua]

ADDIS ABABA - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday spoke highly of the role of Africa, saying the continent is a polar of world politics, global economic growth and human civilization.

Li is delivering a speech at the headquarters of the African Union to expound China's Africa policy.

Upgrading China-Africa cooperation in six areas

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Premier Li Keqiang said China and Africa should earnestly boost collaboration in industry, finance, poverty reduction, ecological protection, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security so as to create an upgraded version of bilateral comprehensive cooperation.

Li is delivering a speech at the headquarters of the African Union to expound China's Africa policy.

Offering assistance to Africa in high-speed rail

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang depicted a dream that all African capitals are connected with high-speed rail so as to boost pan-African communication and development.

Noting that China has developed world-leading technologies in this area, Li said China is ready to work with Africa in an unreserved manner to make this dream come true.