Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent congratulations to African countries on the opening of the 29th African Union (AU) summit.
The AU ordinary session started Monday at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
With the theme "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in the Youth, " African heads of state will deliberate on key issues including financing and institutional reform.
Peace and security on the African continent are also expected to be discussed during the two-day gathering.
(With input from Xinhua)