AUC Delegates Commend China's Partnership, Progress of Bole International Airport Expansion Project

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (ENA)—African Union Commission (AUC) delegates have visited the ongoing third phase expansion of Bole International Airport, a project central to enhancing continental connectivity, today.

The visit, part of the "Meet China in Africa" event, served as a platform to underscore the profound and evolving strategic partnership between China and Africa.

During the event, Zhang Wei, Deputy Head of Mission of China to the African Union, emphasized the robust and historical nature of China-Africa relations, which he described as being at their "best in history."

The Deputy Head of Mission stated that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of FOCAC. "Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, the overall China-Africa relations have been upgraded to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era."

According to him, China remains steadfastly side by side with Africa in pursuing a just world, continuing to firmly support the just positions of African countries in international and regional affairs, taking concrete steps to redress historical injustices suffered by Africa, and steadfastly supporting Africa in playing a greater role on the international stage.

Zhang noted that the Bole Airport project itself will enhance the flight efficiency and connectivity within the continent. "It is always about the people, and more stories are to be told."

He underscored that China stands firmly with Africa in advancing modernization through practical cooperation, citing the impressive growth in China-Africa bilateral trade, which has increased 27-fold, and China's investment stock in Africa, which has grown more than 80 times over the past 25 years.

Chinese enterprises have created "over 1.1 million jobs in Africa" in the past three years alone, he added.

The Deputy Head of Mission expressed confidence that the upcoming Ministerial Coordinators' Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC next week in China will add more momentum and strength in enhancing the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the African people, and accelerating the advancement of modernization.

On his part, AUC Operation and Support Services Directorate (OSSD) Director, J. Rico J. Bien-Aime,  expressed his profound satisfaction with the event and the Bole Airport expansion.

"Not only is it a gateway for travelers, but also a symbol of modern infrastructure and growing connectivity across Africa. It is always encouraging to see development take flight — quite literally — in such impressive and tangible ways."

The director further underscored the depth of the partnership, citing the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa as an emblematic symbol of this partnership.

He specifically acknowledged China’s more than a decade sustained technical cooperation that has followed its completion in 2012, including assistance in technical assistance, maintenance, information technology services, equipment upgrading, and capacity building for AU staff.

He also commended China's crucial role in the construction of the new Africa CDC headquarters, describing the project as "not only timely, but visionary."

Bien-Aime praised China's commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic, which encompassed medical supplies, vaccine support, and expert teams, and emphasized that China "is helping us build resilient, sustainable health systems for the long term."

The director finally affirmed China's pivotal role in realizing the continent’s Agenda 2063 vision for a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Africa.