Addis Ababa: China and Africa will further forge consensus, work closely together, and make new contributions to their modernization, Head of Mission of China to the African Union, Hu Changchun, remarked. A dialogue on fully implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and deepening China-Africa development cooperation was held today in Addis Ababa at the African Union Headquarters. In September 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the GDI during the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The GDI aligns closely with the African Union's Agenda 2063, both aimed at facilitating development and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, today's dialogue seeks to harmonize development plans and strategies, undertake sustainable actions to enhance China-Africa cooperation, and jointly fulfill the vision of the GDI. The event was attended by representatives of the African Union, diplomats, UN agencies in Ethiopia, and othe r invited guests. Speaking at the dialogue, Ambassador Hu Changchun, Head of Mission of China to the African Union, stated, 'We will vigorously promote the implementation of the GDI in Africa.' He emphasized the importance of leveraging UN and AU platforms to connect the advantages of China and Africa. 'African countries have the right to choose the path of modernization that best choose their national conditions,' he added, expressing readiness to collaborate with the UN, AU, African governments, and other partners to demonstrate the dynamic, pragmatic, and efficient nature of China-Africa cooperation. Ambassador Hu elaborated 'I believe that through exchanges such as this seminar, China and Africa will forge consensus, work closely together, and make new contributions to their modernization and to the Global South.' Moreover, he added that China will continue to support the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Africa CDC, in line with the goals of AU Agenda 2063. Profess or Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the AU, noted that the cooperation between Africa and China has evolved into a remarkable and mutually beneficial partnership. He stressed the importance of continuing to promote the central aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a world conducive to current and future generations. The Commissioner added that the GDI is well articulated with world's Sustainable Development agendas, Agenda 2063 and the recently adopted pact for the future of the United Nations. 'The GDI insists on revitalizing Global Development Partnerships, bridging the north-south gap, and promoting stronger, greener, and healthier global development,' he stated. He reiterated that meetings like this are essential for sustaining the momentum for strong development partnerships, urging, 'Let's harness existing global mechanisms to maximize multilateral cooperation.' Ethiopia's State Minister of Labor and Skills, Teshale Berech a, on his part said that the partnership between China and Africa is remarkable and exemplifies the spirit of South-South cooperation. 'It reflects a shared commitment to mutual growth, sustainable development, and the empowerment of our people,' he noted. Regarding Ethiopia's bilateral relations with China, he stated significant achievements in infrastructure development over the past decades. 'With the continuous improvement of infrastructural development in Ethiopia, China has been a dominant partner in Ethiopia's infrastructure development through its Belt and Road Initiative, and it serves as Ethiopia's largest source of investment and an important export market for Ethiopian products,' he stated. The State Minister also added that Ethiopia and China have worked tirelessly to enhance educational opportunities for our citizens through various scholarship programs, training initiatives and academic exchanges. 'I believe China's experience in educational reform and technological advancement service as a valuable model for Africa, through sharing best practices and resources.' He expressed optimism that this dialogue platform will strengthen friendship and deepen mutual understanding. Finally, he reaffirmed the Ethiopian government's commitment to supporting this initiative. Source: Ethiopian News Agency