AU Chair at Sino-Africa forum

Pamela Shumba in Arusha, Tanzania
African Union and Sadc Chair President Mugabe arrived here yesterday for the China-Africa Young Leaders’ Forum, which seeks to tackle key issues affecting young people. He was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport by Tanzania’s Vice-President, Dr Mahammad Gharib Belal, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to that country Major-General (Retired) Edzai Absolom Chimonyo, and other officials from the two countries.

President Mugabe had been seen off at Harare International Airport by Vice-Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, and ministers Dr Sydney Sekeramayi (Defence), Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo (Economic Planning) and Miriam Chikukwa (Harare Provincial Affairs), as well as service chiefs.

VP Mnangagwa is Acting President.
The AU Chair was scheduled to deliver an address at the gathering last night.

The meeting was to discuss issues affecting young African and Chinese leaders in the wake of growing global capitalism.
It was also geared towards attracting investment and giving African entrepreneurs international exposure.

About 150 delegates from 40 African countries — including several Heads of State — were also expected to attend.
During the forum, Chinese and African representatives were to have in-depth discussions on development of Chinese and African youth co-operation and institutionalisation of the forum.

China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Lu Youqing, was quoted by local media saying the forum was a significant tool for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.

He said China was one of the biggest investors in Africa, adding that through the youth forum he expected trade relations to grow further.
In addition, Dr Youqing said it was important for youths to understand that deepening the historical China-Africa friendship would benefit both sides.

Exchanges between youths have been a vibrant part of Sino-Africa relations.
In recent years, especially in the 10 years since the launch of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, China and Africa have been coming up with new strategic partnerships characterised by political equality and mutual trust.

These have successfully created win-win co-operation, cultural exchanges and mutual learning.
In 2012, the China-Africa Youth Forum was held in Windhoek, Namibia.