Leaders have been busy with bilateral meetings over the weekend and for a group of African children living in Beijing it was no different.

More than 30 children from 22 mostly African countries gathered together yesterday at the Beizhan Theatre to share their feelings of being a united global family with their international audience.

"It's so good to have the opportunity to sing of our friendship here," said 15-year-old Michelle Pango from Angola, who is studying at Pakistan Embassy College in the capital.

"I have many good Chinese friends," said Pango. "We talk about our cultures. I have heard many things I have never seen in my country from my friends such as the dragon. China is really a big and beautiful country."

Musonda T. Banda, a 15-year-old Zambian girl, who is Pango's classmate applied to join the chorus as soon as she heard the news. "I have so many friends from various countries in my school. I want to sing with them for the common hope of a brighter future," said Banda.

According to Shueran Sarwar, a teacher from the college, many more children applied to join the chorus when they knew the theme of their performance. "Living in the international community they keenly understand the meaning of friendship between all countries," said Sarwar.

"It is a motto in my college that all human beings should live together in a friendly way, make friends and show our mutual affection," Sarwar added.

Twenty wives of African leaders and hundreds of visitors who came for the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation watched the performance together with Liu Yongqing, wife of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Besides the impressive song by the children a performance by the Chinese Disabled People's Art Troupe also won warm applause from the audience.

"It's so fantastic. They must have practiced a lot to perform so well. I respect them for their professionalism and perseverance," said Madam Lucy Kibaki, wife of Kenya President Mwai Kibaki.

Muhuammad Raja, press and culture counsellor for the Pakistan Embassy in China, said it was one of the best performances he had seen. "I really appreciate the Chinese leadership who take good care of them," said Raja.

More than 100 artists from the disabled art group either visually or hearing impaired danced and played in perfect time.

"I know today that we are performing for friends from African countries who have helped China much in international affairs. I have practiced many times and I am confident that all my colleagues showed their best to our African friends," said Mao Di, 24-year-old violinist with the troupe.

(China Daily November 6, 2006)