AU official lauds China's role in Africa

ADDIS ABABA -?Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), on Friday lauded China's role in ensuring peace and stability in Africa.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the official noted that China has been playing a positive role in supporting the AU's effort in ensuring peace and security in African countries.

Lamamra said that China is committed to supporting the efforts in seeking Africa's solutions to Africa's problems.

"China is a very important partner of Africa. China is a strategic partner of the AU in issues related to peace and security," he said, speaking highly of the close coordination between Africa and China on African issues which are on the agenda of the UN Security Council.

China is one of the five permanent members of the 15-nation UN Security Council.

China has demonstrated "understanding, commitment and support to Africa's solution to Africa's problems," he said.

"But, beyond the constant political support and comprehension, understanding for Africa's solutions, China is also committed with us in implementing those Africa's solutions, bringing about peace, stability and security in a number of African countries," he stressed.

The commissioner stated that China has been constantly and faithfully supporting the AU's operation in Somalia (AMISOM) by providing financial and material support.

The commissioner said he is to travel to China in the second half of this year for discussions with Chinese officials on ways to further strengthen cooperation and partnership between China and Africa in various fields, in particular peace and security.

"On top of that, we have opened discussion with China on reaching a document that would codify our cooperation and partnership in the area of peace and security," he said. "I certainly look forward to the trip, and to my interactions with my colleagues and friends in Beijing in building this new contribution of China to our African endeavor at promoting peace and stability, and in the same token in strengthening Africa-China partnership in whole areas."

The commissioner has also applauded China's being a strong actor in international relations and its action to promote the joint interest of Africa and China.

"China is a strong actor in the international relations and ... a very valuable friend of Africa," he said. "Whatever China does to promote our joint interest and our shared principles is very welcome, and we applaud that effort."

Lamamra also spoke highly of China's "very admirable performance in its own economic development," and its "important place in international relations in the world economy."

"I believe that to many African countries and people, the successes of China are a very powerful source of aspiration," he added.