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African diplomatic missions in Beijing, China have jointly celebrated this year's African Union (AU) Day with a call on China and Africa to continue to work together to balance the development of the world.

A Member of China's Council of State, Mr Yang Jiechi who made the call observed that  China-Africa cooperation concerned the well-being of 2.3 billion people and contributed to the unity among developing countries.

"When China and Africa work together, the development of the world will become more balanced and inclusive", he stated.

The AU Day falls on May 25 every year.

Besides speeches that characterised the event dubbed African Day Gala Night, the occasion was also used to showcase a variety of African dishes and dancing.

Cultural troupes from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and China were on hand to entertain the gathering.

The various African embassies paraded varieties of their popular dishes and it was interesting to note that the entire package of the Jollof Rice and chicken presented by the Ghana Embassy was totally consumed by both Africans and Chinese during the function.

It was also a delight to watch a variety of traditional costumes put on by some nationals from the various African nations for the AU Gala Night.

Ghana's beautiful Kente and rich smock, used by some members of staff of the embassy attracted the attention of both Africans and Chinese.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Yang, who was the guest of honour observed that "so long as we strengthen confidence in China-Africa cooperation and work harder, the giant ship China-Africa relations will break the waves and sail far along the trend of our times."

That, according to him, would make greater contribution to the progress of both China and Africa and mankind as a whole.

In a speech read on his behalf, the President of AU, Mr Ould Abdel Aziz said even though the continent had made real progress on its path of sustainable development "the creed of our struggle should now be continental integration".

He observed that Africa was a young continent immensely rich with huge potential adding that that should be its key assets to prosperity.

President Aziz who also the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania said food sufficiency, the development of agri-business and the fight against poverty and malnutrition remained goals to complete by the AU to ensure the prosperity and food security of the people.

"We must ensure the modernisation and expansion of our basic infrastructure, good management and enhancement of our natural resources".

President Aziz called for more investments in education, training, science, technology and research to equip African countries to rub shoulders with their counterparts in other parts of the world. 

He condemned he kidnapping of innocent school girls in Nigeria and demanded their immediate and unconditional release by their captors.

Writer's Email: nanadu63@gmail.com/emmanuel.gyamerah@graphic.com.gh