ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 30 -- China is a key partner on peace and security issues in Africa, an AU official said Friday.

In a press briefing during the 24th African Union (AU) Summit held in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Maman Sidikou, AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM), said China is AU's key partner on peace efforts in Somalia.

"Through providing useful support in peace efforts in Somalia, China is becoming a key partner of AU, AMISOM, and Somalia to ensure peace and stability and prosperity in the Horn of African nation," he said, noting that China is one of the first countries to open its embassy in Mogadishu.

He said Chinese companies are considering investing in Somalia's infrastructure and hailed China's support and donation to AMISOM.