China advocates for greater cooperation with the African continent.

247, with Xinhua - Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday (10) that the African Union (AU) is a "banner of unity and strength," in a message sent on the occasion of the 32nd summit of that continental organization, in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Xi advocated for the development of joint efforts to build a closer China-Africa community aimed at a shared future for humanity.

Xi said that since last year, under the leadership of the AU, the process of African integration has made significant progress, African countries have continued to speak with one voice on important regional and international issues, and Africa's global influence has grown progressively.

"I cordially congratulate the AU on its progress and sincerely hope that it will continue to unite and lead African countries to new and greater achievements," Xi said.

Xi highlighted that the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, held in September of last year, was a great success, during which he joined efforts with leaders of African countries and the AU to outline a plan for the development of Sino-African ties.

China wishes to work with Africa to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit and promote the alignment of joint Belt and Road construction with the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063, the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other development strategies of African countries, Xi said.

In doing so, the two sides will build a closer China-Africa community to contribute more to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi added.