Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang

Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

At the AU Conference Center

Addis Ababa, 5 May 2014

 

 

Your Excellency Prime Minister Hailemariam,

Your Excellency Chairperson Zuma,

Dear Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning! I am very happy to be here in Addis Ababa, known as the political capital of Africa, and speak at the AU Conference Center, a symbol of China-Africa friendship, among friends who have long supported and worked to promote China-Africa cooperation. I want to thank Chairperson Zuma and Prime Minister Hailemariam for their heart-warming remarks. My thanks also go to the Ethiopian government and the AU Commission for their thoughtful arrangements. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, let me extend cordial greetings and best wishes to the governments and peoples of African countries!

This is my first visit to Africa as Chinese premier, and the second time for me to set foot on this fascinating continent. For Chinese people of my generation, the independence movement of African nations and the construction of Tazara Railway were familiar stories as we grew up. Five years ago, I visited Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs. Today, I am here in Ethiopia, the "roof of Africa". I am deeply impressed by the similarity between the Chinese and African people in their historical experiences, development tasks and aspirations. We are encouraged by the new achievements of African countries in their endeavor to seek strength through unity. China-Africa cooperation has also entered a new stage of development featuring higher quality and enjoys broad prospects. People now see Africa as a continent full of vitality that plays a critical role in the global political and economic landscape. And to me, Africa could be considered as a "pole" in three aspects:

First, with a total of 54 countries, Africa occupies a quarter of the United Nations seats and plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the world. While steadily increasing their overall strength thanks to an accelerated integration process, African countries have stood together on such major issues as global development, climate change and reforms of international governance systems, and spoken with one voice. With the rise of developing countries, the whole world needs to heed Africa's voice and give full respect to Africa's role as Africa has become a key force contributing to a multi-polar world and greater democracy in international relations. Africa is indeed a significant pole in the political stage of the world.

Second, boasting vast geographical expanse, abundant resources and industrious population, Africa's huge development potential as a community of one billion people is being vigorously unleashed. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Africa's economic growth has picked up speed. With an average annual growth rate of over 5%, Africa now ranks among the fastest growing regions in the world, a bright spot in the gloomy global economy under the impact of the financial crisis. With an economic aggregate of US$2 trillion, Africa is commonly recognized as a major emerging global market. Africa is indeed the latest pole in global economic growth.

Third, Africa has a time-honored history and brilliant culture. It is the origin of human civilization and has had a far-reaching impact on the world's cultural diversity, exchanges and dissemination. Mankind's common "grandmother" Lucy, the ancient Pyramids, the simple but rhythmic drumbeats and the rustic and passionate dances are all held up as shining brand names of Africa. African civilization has shed brilliant lights on the present-day music, sculpture, painting and other art forms of the world. Africa is indeed a colorful pole in world civilizations.

"When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." This Ethiopian proverb vividly portrays a simple truth that unity is strength. Today's Africa is marching towards integration. Today's AU is playing an increasingly important role in African and world affairs. China will continue to strengthen relations with the AU and firmly support it in spearheading African integration and upholding peace and security in Africa, and in playing an even bigger role in regional and international affairs. China is ready to provide assistance to the AU to the best of its ability. We have high esteem for the great people living on this continent. And we have full confidence in the bright future of Africa.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Half a century ago, during his visit to 10 African countries, the late Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the five principles for China's relations with African and Arab countries and the eight principles for China's economic aid and technical assistance to other countries, which need to be commemorated and carried forward. Over the past five decades, Chinese and African people have helped each other and fostered an unbreakable bond of friendship. As a poet once said, "You may have forgotten the person whom you laughed with; but you will never forget the one whom you wept with." In the 1960s and 70s, to support the cause of national liberation in southern Africa and smash the blockade imposed by the apartheid regime, the Chinese people assisted the construction of the Tazara Railway against great odds. Sixty-five fine sons and daughters of China gave their lives for the construction of the railway and were laid to rest on the African continent. In the same vein, when China's lawful seat was restored in the UN, our African brothers burst into tears of happiness, celebrating this as a great victory of developing countries. The history of our common struggle for a common destiny will always be our precious memory and inspiration and an inexhaustible driver for the future growth of China-Africa relations.

In the 21st century, China and Africa have enjoyed growing political mutual trust and frequent high-level exchanges. Last year, the successful visit of President Xi Jinping to Africa and the visits of many African heads of state and government to China lifted the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership to a new height. In the same year, China-Africa trade reached US$210.2 billion, registering an increase of more than 2,000 times over the 1960 figure. For five years in a row, China has been Africa's largest trading partner. China's FDI in Africa has grown from zero to over US$25 billion in accumulative terms, delivering tangible benefits to both the Chinese and African peoples. Both history and reality tell us that when China develops well, Africa will get opportunities; when Africa develops well, China will stand to benefit; and when China and Africa all make progress in development, the world will become a better place for mankind to live in.

The present-day world is undergoing profound and complex transformation. The AU is drawing up an ambitious blueprint, Agenda 2063, for the continent's next 50 years of development. And China is working hard to realize the Chinese dream of the great renewal of the Chinese nation. With both sides facing the task of achieving modernization, China-Africa relations have entered a new period of development. During his visit to Africa last year, President Xi Jinping made a commitment to developing relations with Africa with sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. China will always honor the commitment and work together with Africa to upgrade China-Africa relations. The relationship between China and Africa is one marked by shared interests, common development and cultural exchanges. To further deepen China-Africa cooperation, I believe we need to stick to the following four principles.

First, treat each other with full sincerity and as complete equals. Chinese and African civilizations have a close affinity as they both abound with distinctive cultural features, both cherish ancestral roots and both advocate equality, sharing, solidarity and collaboration. We could be called "close neighbors" in a cultural sense. Nelson Mandela, the proud "Son of Africa", once said, "Western civilization did not completely erase my African origin." The perseverance with which he tenaciously pursued equality commands our admiration. Both China and Africa were subjected to aggression and oppression by colonialism and imperialism in the past, and we both deeply value independence and equality. Neither of us has imposed our own will on others or interfered in each other's internal affairs. We both stand for resolving problems arising from cooperation through equal consultation. China's aid to Africa has never been attached with political strings. All this has constituted a defining cornerstone for the ever growing friendship between China and Africa.