African Union Chairman Zuma visits China for Strategic Dialog

Christof Lehmann (nsnbc ) The President of the African Union, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in China on an official invitation of China´s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi this week, to participate in a strategic dialog between China and the African Union.

The meeting is the fifth of its kind and is scheduled from 14 to 17 February. The South African A.U. Chairman has held the offices of Health Minister, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister of South Africa before being elected a A.U. Chairman. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is a renown anti-apartheid activist.

The 4th dialog between China and the AU was held at the African Union headquarters in Adis Abeba in May 2011 and was chaired by the former Chinese Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and the President of the AU Commission, Jean Ping from Gabon.

The 4th dialog focused on the promotion of relations between China and the African Union and reflected the desire for increased cooperation and the strengthening of high-level contacts on both sides.

The 5th meeting will continue building on previous achievements and agreements. It is likely that the recent US and European pivot in Northern and Central Africa and the problems it prompts for the continued development African – Chinese relations will be discussed both officially and confidentially.