The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government opened Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
The two-day summit, bringing together leaders from AU members, is being held under the 2025 AU theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."
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38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
Beyond the theme, discussions at the summit will cover key continental issues, including regional peace and security, socio-economic development, AU institutional reforms, and Africa's growing role on the global stage.
Leadership elections within the AU Commission, including for the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and six commissioners, are also a key focus of the summit's agenda.
Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.
"Africa cannot remain silent or inactive. Our solidarity has always been the lifeline in our fight against colonialism and racial segregation, leading us to independence," said Faki.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, was elected as the new AU Commission chairperson for the 2025-2028 term.
Selma Malika Haddadi, Algerian ambassador to Ethiopia, was elected as the new deputy chairperson of the AU Commission for the same term.
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
38th AU summit opens in Addis Ababa, focuses on justice, leadership elections
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
