The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulated China on the successful landing of the Chang'e-4 lunar probe on the far side of the moon.
The chairperson of the bloc of 55 member states made the remarks on Friday during his meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
An image captured during the landing process of Chang'e-4 lunar probe /CNSA Photo
"I would like to express my warm congratulations on the successful landing of the Chinese Chang'e-4 lunar probe on the far side of the moon yesterday," the chairperson said.
"For humans, the moon is out of reach, but with its super-scientific capabilities, China has successfully achieved this landing event, making history," he added.
Faki also expressed the hope that African countries would strengthen cooperation with China in science and technological innovation.
Launched on December 8, 2018, the Chang'e-4 lunar probe, comprised of a lander and a rover, landed on the far side of the moon on Thursday morning.
China-AU ties 'in the best shape ever'
Wang told Faki that relations between China and the African Union (AU) are now "in the best shape ever."
Referring to the AU as a model of Africa's unity, self-reliance and integration, Wang said that the two sides should promote the implementation of the results achieved at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and focus on the four areas of overall planning of China-Africa cooperation: peace, security, health, and coordination on international affairs.
On creating a stronger strategic partnership between China and the AU, Wang said that China's development should benefit developing countries first, especially African countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat (R) at the AU building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 4, 2019. /Chinese MOFA Photo
China is willing to align its development initiatives with African priorities and projects, especially in jointly implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and the AU's agenda 2063, Wang said.
Reiterating that peace and stability are the most urgent needs of the African continent, Wang said China supports the 55-member union for its leading and coordinating role in the area.
"China will help Africa to improve its independent peacekeeping capabilities within its capabilities and truly follow Africans' own way to maintain peace and stability on the African continent," he said.
Wang further expressed China's willingness to closely cooperate with the AU, maintain a rules-based multilateral and free trade system, and safeguard the common interests of China, Africa and developing countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat (R) as they pose for a photo ahead of their meeting at the AU building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 4, 2019. /Chinese MOFA Photo
For his part, Faki said that Wang's visit to the AU headquarters at the beginning of the New Year clearly shows the high-level and strategic relationship forged between the AU and China.
Africa-China relations are united and friendly, strong and powerful, and mutually beneficial, said Faki.
Faki said that the AU appreciates China's valuable support and assistance in developing infrastructure and enhancing independent peacekeeping capabilities on the African continent.
After their talks, Wang and Faki jointly attended the handover ceremony of the Chinese-built AU Integrated Service Center project.
Over the decades, China has helped Africa build more than 10,000 kilometers of highways, 6,000 kilometers of railways, as well as hundreds of airports, ports and power stations.
Meanwhile, more than 20,000 Chinese medical workers have been sent to Africa, treating 200 million local patients.
(CGTN's Feng Ran, Shao Cong also contributed to the story.)