By our staff reporter
Ambassador Hu Changchun welcomed guests to the Chinese New Year Reception held at the newly completed Chinese Mission compound on January 23, 2025. This event marked the first official gathering in the modern facility, which took three years to construct and symbolizes China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa and the African Union (AU).
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hu emphasized the significance of the Spring Festival, which has recently been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Cultural Heritage. “As the most important and joyous traditional festival in Chinese culture, we are delighted to share this joy of new year and family reunion with our African friends,” he stated.
The reception brought together diplomats, government officials, and members of the local community to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake. Ambassador Hu expressed gratitude to the AU, the Ethiopian government, and all attendees for their support of the new mission and its initiatives. He also congratulated the newly established China-AU Chamber of Commerce, which aims to enhance business exchanges between China and Africa.
Reflecting on the past year, Ambassador Hu highlighted significant achievements in China-Africa cooperation. He noted that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit had successfully elevated China-Africa relations to an “all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.” The ambassador acknowledged Chairperson Moussa Faki’s leadership during his delegation’s visit to China, which contributed to the summit’s success.
Ambassador Hu further detailed various collaborative efforts between China and Africa over the past year. He mentioned that 200 AU officials were invited to China for training programs, strengthening ties across multiple sectors. Additionally, he recognized numerous high-level Chinese delegations visiting AU institutions, reinforcing China’s commitment to partnership with African nations.
The ambassador also discussed practical cooperation initiatives such as the “China-Africa Perennial Rice Technology Center,” “Chinese Language Workshop,” and “China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Program.” These programs aim to bolster educational exchanges and technical collaboration between China and African countries.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ambassador Hu expressed optimism about the future of China-Africa relations. He highlighted recent visits by H.E. Wang Yi, underscoring China’s long-standing commitment to Africa as a reliable partner in development. “Through concrete actions, China has demonstrated that no matter how international and regional circumstances change, we will always be Africa’s most reliable friend,” he affirmed.
In closing, Ambassador Hu called for continued collaboration with African nations to implement outcomes from the FOCAC Beijing Summit and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He encouraged attendees to embrace hope for the new year, wishing everyone harmony and prosperity in their endeavors.
As guests mingled and enjoyed traditional Chinese performances during the reception, it was evident that this celebration not only marked a new year but also reinforced the enduring bond between China and Africa. The event served as a reminder of shared cultural values and mutual aspirations for growth and development in an increasingly interconnected world.
