African diplomatic envoys to China gave a reception Thursday in Beijing to mark the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

"It was a declaration to the world about Africa's resolve to fight for national liberation and independence," said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan at the reception, noting that the "Africa Day" had become a symbol of freedom, liberation, and a rallying call for unity and development for Africa and its people.

Africa had made encouraging progress in recent years, marked by greater peace, steady economic growth and accelerated cooperation, Tang acknowledged.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between New China and African countries.

China and African countries had seen frequent high-level exchanges, sustainable, in-depth growth of economic and trade ties, as well as mutual support and close cooperation in international affairs, Tang said

He said the friendship remained vibrant and strong because the two sides treated each other as equals and with sincerity, and worked together for common development.

Both China and Africa faced new opportunities for development and challenges in the new era, Tang said, adding China would maintain its peaceful development and remain committed to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Tang said the Chinese government valued its relations with African countries and would be a good friend, good brother and good partner of Africa.

Cameroonian Ambassador to China Eleih-Elle Etian, also dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, said that relations were established on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in others' domestic affairs and reciprocity.

He said the Beijing summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum to be held in November this year would surely raise the African-China relations to a new height..

Source: Xinhua