China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges launched at African Union headquarters

The launching ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with participants emphasizing the importance of deepening dialogue and cooperation between the two civilizations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi read a congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping and delivered a keynote speech, highlighting the significance of mutual learning among civilizations and the role of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening China-Africa relations. African leaders, including the foreign ministers of the Republic of the Congo and AU officials, expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to expand cultural, educational, tourism, arts, and youth exchanges, and to further solidify long-standing ties. Both sides emphasized that China-Africa cooperation is mutually beneficial, praising the achievements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, and expressing commitment to working together to promote fairness, development, and peace in a world facing significant instability and challenges to the international order.

Credit : CGTN