China donates 400,000 dollars to African Union for peace efforts

Rwandan soldier patrols at Abu Shouk camp in Sudan’s darfur region. (Reuetrs).

ADDIS ABABA, Apr 22, 2005 (Xinhua) — China on Friday donated 400,000 US dollars to the African Union (AU) in support of the continent’s peace efforts. China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng handed over the donation here to AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare.

At the handover, Lu said the stated sum was granted to the AU in support of its ongoing peace initiatives particularly in Darfur, western Sudan. Konare said the support demonstrates China’s determination to assist the AU in resolving conflicts on the continent.

Meanwhile, officials from the Chinese embassy said Lu and Konare exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the reform of the United Nations system, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Africa’s debt, among others.