The United Nations (UN) SRSG to the African Union (AU) and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Head of Mission and current Charge d’Affaires of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chen Xufeng on May 5. The SRSG hailed the important role played by China in addressing global and African affairs. While highlighting some strategic issues such as strengthening relations with the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), strengthening partnerships, and securing sustainable and predictable financing of AU-led peace support operations, he underscored the need for revamping multilateralism to address the global threats and challenges affecting humanity, including terrorism and transitional crime, Covid-19 and mitigating the still evolving impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He also stressed the need for synergetic implementation of the UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security and the Framework for the Implementation of AU Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Chen Xufeng reiterated China’s commitment to support Africa in meeting its peace, security and development aspirations, including through the implementation of the outcomes of the eighth edition of the Forum for Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC) which took place in Dakar, Senegal, from 29-30 November 2021. He called for promoting a rules-based international order, consistent with the provisions of the UN Charter. He also expressed the commitment of China to support Africa in attaining its target of 60 per cent Covid-19 vaccination uptake by the end of 2022. Mr. Xufeng expressed optimism in the potential of the Global Development Initiative, which China is championing to facilitate re-prioritizing development, renewing commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, revitalizing global partnerships and reactivating development cooperation in the quest for leaving no one behind.