China delivering on pledged grants to the AU

Addis Ababa, 26 May, 2013:The Government of the People’s Republic of China has committed to disburse a grant of 100 million RMB Yuan (about $16.3 million US) aspart of 600 million RMB Yuan (about $98 US) it pledgedto the African Union Commission (AUC) in January 2012. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Wang Yang,and the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Erastus Mwencha, to disburse this 100 million RMB Yuan, as second installment of the pledged amount.

This second installment grant will help the Commission address some of its needs.According to the parties, the MOU will further strengthen the friendly relations between China and the AUthrough economic and technical cooperation.Specific projects will be agreed between the two parties within this portion of the grant.

Ahead of the signing, the AUC Chairperson in a tête-à-têtewith the Chinese Premier highlighted some priority areas of further cooperation. These include, but not limited to: training of young people,agriculture and agro-processing; infrastructure development; mineral resource exploitation; tourism; energy;peace and security.

Agreeing with the AUC Chairperson’s assessment and judgment of priority areas, Premier Wang Yang praised her “insightful and forward looking ideas to transform the continent.”H.E. Wang Yang added that China is also looking forward to increased collaboration and cooperation with the AU on regional and international affairs, given the important role it plays. The two leaders reiterated the need to accelerate setting up a joint-working group to further pursue these areas of cooperation.

The MOU was signed on 24 May 2013 in the sidelines of activities marking the OAU/AU 50th anniversary celebrations and the 21stSummit of the AU.

To witnessing the signing of the MOU, was a Chinese delegation that also included the two Vice Ministers of Commerce; and Agriculture. And on the AUC’s side, was the Chairperson, H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZumawho was accompanied bythe Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. RamtaneLamamra;Chief Advisor to the Chairperson, Amb. Baso Sangqu;,Director of Strategic Planning;Head ofAfrica’s Strategic Partnerships, and Amb. Khadija Rachida Masri and, among others.

It should be recalled that a delegation of the AUC, led by the Chairperson was in China in February this year for a working visit.