China and Africa celebrate deepening ties at Africa Day in Beijing

This year's Africa Day celebration was held in Beijing on Saturday, bringing together African ambassadors to China, Chinese officials, scholars and cultural representatives to discuss a global momentum toward greater equity, inclusion and historical understanding, and deepen the friendship and growing cooperation between China and Africa.

Rahmat Allah Mohamed Osman, the permanent representative of the African Union (AU) to China, expressed his appreciation as China was the first country to explicitly support the AU's membership in the G20, helping to expand Africa's voice at the global level.

Martin Mpana, the ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to China and the dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, highlighted the friendship and cooperation between China and Africa.

"We need a world open to all, for all, by all, not by some to decide for others to obey. And I think we are moving toward this direction. We are happy that China and Africa are building not only a long-lasting friendship but also a win-win cooperation." 

The ambassador said that China's modernization is "a result of the people's decision." He shared views on the similarities between China and African countries as they put their people first.

"The Communist Party of China is doing a lot because its policies are people-centered. In Africa, we can do the same. Though we don't have the same political systems, the goal is to bring leaders to understand that people's lives matter... and this will certainly bring modernization to Africa."

Hodan Osman Abdi, the ambassador of Somalia to China, shared her views on how the continent's modernization can be advanced through strong ties with Beijing.

"China has been setting the stage for win-win cooperation where economic development is mutually reinforced. China is setting up opportunities for African enterprises, African companies and African products to find their markets here in China."

The theme of this year's Africa Day, as designated by the AU, is "Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."