Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, addresses the reception held by the African Diplomatic Corps in China to mark the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

As the African Union celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU), Africans in China have not been left out of the festivities.

The African Diplomatic Corps in China hosted a series of events, including a seminar and a dinner gala to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU, all with the theme "Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance" in Beijing on May 24 and 25, 2013.

Top legislator Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made remarks at the gala dinner. He extended his congratulations to African countries and people, and commended the achievements of independence and development of African countries under the leadership of the OAU/AU.

After reviewing the history of China-Africa relations over the past half century, he said that China-Africa relations had been fast-tracked, and were now focused on all-round development in the 21st century, and continuing under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"China will deepen cooperation with the AU and sub-regional organizations to help advance the integration process of Africa," he said. Zhang stressed that China is willing to work with African countries to advance the China-Africa strategic partnership to new heights.

Demeke Mekonnen, special envoy of the AU chairman and Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia made a speech at the gala dinner hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps in China to mark the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

Demeke Mekonnen, special envoy of the AU chairman and Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, said in his speech that the establishment of the OAU was a milestone in the history of African unity, and African people will make unremitting efforts for the continent's revival. He thanked China for its sincere help and support for Africa, and said that Sino-African relations are important for Africa to maintain its current developmental momentum. He said that African countries expect to strengthen cooperation with China and bring more benefits to their people.

An award ceremony was held at the gala dinner. On behalf of the Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing, Demeke Mekonnen presented a Certificate of Appreciation and Honor to the Communist Party of China (CPC) to recognize the remarkable contributions the CPC has made to promote Africa-China relations. Ai Ping, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, received the certificate on behalf of the CPC.

The Golden Jubilee celebration also included dancing and music at the gala dinner. Among those performing were artists from the Chinese Disabled Art Troupe, Sierra Leonean star Mariatu Kargbo, the Sisi Tambala Band, as well as African children and students in China. Chinese and African guests later were invited to join the artists on the stage and dance to African music.

The seminar and the gala dinner kicked off the Golden Jubilee celebrations, which will continue throughout the year in China, according to Seyoum Mesfin, Ethiopian Ambassador to China. He called on all stakeholders from both Chinese and African sides to continue to work closely to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU.

Seyoum Mesfin, Ethiopian Ambassador to China made remarks at the gala dinner hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps in China to mark the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

Demeke Mekonnen,Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia (right) presented a Certificate of Appreciation and Honor to the CPC. Ai Ping, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (left), received the certificate on behalf of the CPC at the gala dinner hosted to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

 

Seyoum Mesfin, Ethiopian Ambassador to China and his wife joined to dance Ethiopian folk dances with Ethiopian Students Group in China at the gala dinner to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

Chinese and African guests danced to African music at the gala dinner to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013  (LIU JIAN)

 

Artists of China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe perform the thousand-hand Bodhisattva dance at the gala dinner to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)

Performance by Sierra Leonean star Mariatu Kargbo at the gala dinner to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU in Beijing on May 25,2013 (LIU JIAN)