The inauguration of the African Union (AU) in Durban, South Africa, this week heralds a new era for Africa to intensify unity and cooperation for common prosperity, and is a starting point of the continent's revival, said a leading Chinese newspaper on Friday.
The establishment of the AU was a wise decision made by African leaders and the only way to realize the continent's development, the People's Daily said in an article.
The 39-year-old Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was now replaced by the AU, made historic contributions to promoting unification and unity of African countries, helped the countries seek national independence and political liberation and boosted peace, stability and economic development in Africa, said the newspaper.
With the arrival of the new millennium, Africa is undergoing profound changes. Long years of colonialist rule and war had resulted in political turbulence and economic backwardness in the continent.
With increasing economic globalization, Africa is facing the danger of being marginalized. The only way out is for Africa to get united for self-improvement, maintain stability, revive the economy and boost development, the paper said.
The launch of the AU is thus an essential step, it added.
Over the past few years, African countries have developed a feasible peacekeeping mechanism to mediate in conflicts between themselves. They have successfully carried out peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone, Lesotho and other countries.
Moreover, the successful implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, which was adopted at the OAU summit lastJuly, has helped African countries embark on a road of sustained development.
The plan has not only provided African enterprises with opportunities to enter regional and international markets, but also served as a guideline for many countries to boost their economic development.
The paper noted that it is an important part of China's foreign policy to promote African peace and development and strengthen friendship and cooperation with African countries. Over the past half a century, China has provided Africa with assistance according to its ability and signed agreements on debt exemption with more than 30 African countries.
On the basis of its excellent cooperation with the OAU, China is ready to continue such cooperation with the AU and support it in all its efforts to realize peace and stability in Africa and seek a larger role in advancing the process of integration.
(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2002)
