African Diplomatic corps and friends of Africa in Beijing joined together to commemorate the 56^th Africa Day, under theme, “Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced People: For Sustainable Solutions to Force Displacement in Africa".

May 25 2019 marks 56 years since Africa Day was conceived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. African diplomatic envoys in Beijing and Chinese officials graced the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Martin Mpana of Cameroon and the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Beijing applauded the African Union founders and pledged to maintain their core mission of the organization.

On behalf of Chinese government, Mr. Lian Xianfa, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs hailed the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its transformation into the African Union to better address its objectives in the new situation.

“Fifty-six years ago, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established. It was an epoch-making event in African history, marking the advent of a new era for African countries to seek strength through unity and pursue common development,” Liu Xianfa said.

“Today, we are glad to see that with the concerted effort of the AU and African countries, the Agenda 2063 is well underway, African integration has picked up speed, and the Single African Air Transport Market has seen major headway” the vice minister continued.

According to the Vice Minister, “The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which will soon enter into force, will be a milestone in Africa’s economic integration process, injecting strong impetus to the economic development of this vast continent.”

While delivering the African Union Chairperson message to the audience, Ambassador Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the Permanent Representative of the African Union to China called on all Africans to work together and to ensure all African citizens have inalienable right to live free, dignified and productive lives.

“Africa Day celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the Union’s transformation and achievements and renew commitments to realize the Africa we want as embedded in Agenda 2063”, Ambassador Rahamtalla said, reading from the statement.

At the event, Ambassador Osama Elmagdoub of Egypt and the current Chair of the African Union also read the speech of the Chair of the African Union. The AU Chair hailed the African Union joint effort to resolve the continent’s disputes and problems.

“Day after day, the effectiveness of our joint efforts are intensified to resolve disputes and problems which the continent have suffered from for decades and impeded achieving its dreams,” Ambassador Elmagdoub noted.

At the event, different African cultural groups and Chinese cultural troupe entertained the audience.