China has strengthened its ties with the AU. How do you see the future of China-Africa relations?

» Nolana Ta Ama: To effectively manage the new challenges that face Africa, the Charter of the AU inspired by the 1999 Sirte Declaration, which was adopted in 2000, has created new and more adaquate provisions.

Indeed, the international community has been invited to participate in a concerted manner – for example the Group of 77, of which China is a member – in a South-South dialogue.

I would say the partner that has been most actively on Africa's side is China, which has, especially since 1949 [when the People's Republic of China was founded], developed diplomatic relations based on mutual cooperation aimed at dealing with all challenges facing the continent. 

It is understandable why a mechanism of cooperation has become necessary between China, the world's most populous country, and the vast African continent. Hence the idea of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the ministry level, with the objective of creating a new type of strategic partnership, is based on mutual trust and shared benefits.

» Hassane Rabehi: In my capacity as Ambassador of Algeria to China, I would like to underline the great importance of the relationship between Africa and China.

Through the years, Africa and China have forged close cooperation, fruitful partnership, sincere solidarity and real friendship.

The FOCAC, launched in October 2000, is a strong platform partnership, established by China and African countries for collective consultation and dialogue, and as a cooperation mechanism among developing countries to seek mutual reinforcement and common interest. The forum is doing very well and has the potential to bring various advantages to the two sides. In many areas, the partnership has delivered concrete outcomes that are beneficial to the two sides. The beautiful new AU Conference and Office Complex built by the Chinese Government and graciously given to the AU and dedicated in January 2012, is testimony to the real value this partnership brings to Africa. It is also highly significant that the AU Commission was admitted into FOCAC on October 26, 2011 as a full member during the Senior Officials Meeting held in Hangzhou, and therefore attended the 5th Ministerial FOCAC meeting held in Beijing in mid-July 2012.

The African people and countries are applauding the fruitful results of the ties with China and have full confidence in the future of these ties.

» Julio Morais: China had been, and continues to be, the AU's strong and faithful ally, a commitment that is fully illustrated by the new AU headquarters' building, which was donated by the Chinese Government. China, since the 1960s, has helped Africa face its difficulties and also supported its development endeavors, either bilaterally or multilaterally. We are both conscientious of our potential, aware of our historical responsibility towards our peoples, who legitimately aspire to occupy an active and fair role in the new and transforming international order. 

» Martin Mpana: There is a need to align the FOCAC partnership with the strategic objectives of the AU. The magnificent new AU Conference and Office Complex built by China for the AU and commissioned in January 2012, is a token of the real value this partnership brings to Africa.

In addition, the AU Commission is now part and parcel of the FOCAC. Therefore, in my opinion, China-AU relations are moving toward a brighter future.

(Full version of this interview is available at www.chinafrica.cn)