Premier Zhu Congratulates OAU on Convention of 37th SessionChinese Premier Zhu Rongji Sunday sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the convocation of the 37th Ordinary Session of the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Lusaka, capital of Zambia.As the most representative regional organization on the African continent, the OAU (Organization of African Unity) has, since its birth, worked toward the aim of African solidarity and unity, and made valuable contribution to national independence and political liberation as well as the cause of promoting peace, stability, and development in Africa, said Premier Zhu. The OAU was founded in 1963. The establishment of the African Union at the beginning of the new century marked the start of the march toward further integration by the OAU following the successful completion of its historic mission, said the message. This session is, therefore, of major significance in carrying on the cause into the future, it added. The Chinese government has all along attached importance to enhancing solidarity and cooperation with the vast number of developing countries, including those in Africa. This has been the basic stand of China's independent foreign policy of peace, Zhu said. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation--Ministerial Conference in Beijing 2000 held last October was a success, the premier recalled. It opened up broad prospects for building, under new circumstance, a new type of partnership between China and Africa featuring long-term stability, equality and mutual benefits. Over the years, the Chinese government and the OAU have carried out close cooperation and built a bridge of friendship between the Chinese and African people, said Zhu. He pledged that in the new century, the Chinese government will, as always, work together with the upcoming African Union and bring bilateral friendly relations and cooperation to a new high. He also wished the session a complete success. |
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