Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 7 November 2012- The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Chinese government have signed an agreement and a protocol aimed at strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the area of peace and security. The agreements were signed at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by Mr Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC and Rear Admiral Guan Youafei for the Chinese side.

Under the agreements, the Chinese side will provide a total of 80 million RMB Yuan (+/-USD 12 800 000) to cover the expenses of logistical materials supplied to the AU’s peacekeeping operations. The agreements came after a commitment by Chinese President Mr Hu Ji Ntao at the Forum on China Africa Cooperation earlier this year, to increase support to Africa.

Mr. Mwencha expressed the AUC appreciation for the support extended by the Chinese government. “This will help us improve our operations in Somalia where we are now moving into a stabilization phase”, said the AUC Deputy Chairperson after the signing ceremony.